This is not the best time for the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and his closest political ally, former Senator Gabriel Suswam as majority of the former governor’s kinsmen from his own local government, Logo as well as Katsina Ala yesterday dumped him, citing his multiple political miscalculation as their reason for teaming up with the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN.
This event which took place yesterday when APC leaders from Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs led by Job Tiza and Augustine Avaan paid a solidarity visit to PDP leader and former Governor Samuel Ortom and PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, at their residences in Makurdi is coming few days after the Benue State APC Youth Council dumped Governor Hyacinth Alia and endorsed Aondoakaa as their sole governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Suswam’s kinsmen who were majorly critical All Progressive Congress stakeholders from Logo Local Government Area, comprising former council officials, state government appointees and respected opinion leaders from across the various council wards and political parties stated that they have chosen to endorse Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Benue State governorship election as a result of his wealth of experience and his multiple achievements while he was the Attorney General of the Federation.
The delegation, which represented a cross-section of political interests in Logo, said its decision to throw its weight behind Aondoakaa was driven by his experience, competence, leadership capacity and perceived ability to provide purposeful governance for Benue State.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for a leader capable of uniting the people of Benue, strengthening security, improving the economy and ensuring equitable development across the state.
The delegation which included Hon. Comr. Isaac Terseer Agber, Chief Job Tiza, Hon. Richard Nyajo Mbagber, Hon. Charles Iorbo, Edward Nenger, Hon. Terfa Uchir, Hon. Ikyaajime Ngutor Felix, and Hon. Timothy Mnengeve stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia has failed to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
According to findings, this fallout is a result of the crisis in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC which has continued to deepen as the party prepares for the early 2027 general elections.
During the visit, the APC chieftains assured the opposition leaders of their support, noting that they couldn’t continue to work with Gabriel Suswam whom they described as a deceiver who never meant well for the people around him..
Political observers say the move reflects growing dissatisfaction within the APC in the Sankera axis over mistreatment of party stakeholders by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and his subsequent selection as the party’s flag bearer ahead of 2027.
The visit to PDP’s top figures signals possible realignment and defections, and highlights how fragile party structures have become with the election cycle drawing closer.
Both Ortom and Aondoakaa welcomed the visitors and reiterated PDP’s readiness to receive members who are committed to rescuing Benue.
With 2027 general elections barely at the corner, the APC in Benue appears to be battling internal cracks, while the PDP is positioning itself to capitalize on the discontent.
In Benue politics, observers stated that the lines are shifting. And Logo and Katsina-Ala may just be the first sign.
