• ….Boycotts Tinubu’s 2027 endorsement, deepens rebellion against party hierarchy

In a calculated act of defiance, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has snubbed the All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. His absence has intensified internal party divisions and accelerated ongoing talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The endorsement ceremony, hosted by the APC National Working Committee at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, was intended to rally support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and present a unified party front. However, Alia’s decision to boycott the event shocked party leadership and reinforced perceptions of his deepening rift with the party.

According to sources, Alia had pushed for a joint endorsement that would recognize both Tinubu’s presidential ambition and his own re-election bid in Benue. When the party leadership rejected the proposal, he reportedly withdrew from further discussions and shifted his focus toward exploring an alternative political platform.

Since assuming office, Governor Alia has been locked in a prolonged power struggle with influential APC figures in Benue, most notably Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The friction escalated when Alia attempted to remove Mr. Austin Agada, the APC State Chairman and an ally of Akume.

That move was invalidated by the Federal High Court in Makurdi, which ruled on November 28, 2024, that Agada’s removal was unlawful. Despite the ruling, Alia went ahead to establish a factional party structure, installing a parallel executive loyal to him and marginalizing dissenting voices.

Political observers now believe that Alia’s outreach to the ADC is part of a deliberate plan to exit the APC. Sources close to the matter revealed that former Governor Gabriel Suswam and senior ADC officials are actively involved in advanced negotiations to facilitate the governor’s defection.

Adding to the intrigue, Alia is reported to have secretly financed Suswam’s failed campaign for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further indicating his readiness to form strategic alliances across party lines.

Analysts describe the governor as a political tactician who is prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty. While his moves have consolidated support within a loyal faction, they have also alienated large sections of the APC both in Benue and at the national level.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum, Governor Alia’s political gamble may either reposition him as a key power player or leave him politically isolated. What remains clear is that his actions are reshaping Benue’s political dynamics and sending ripples through the national party structure.

The North Central Development and Consultative Forum (NCDACF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Dr. Cyril Tsenyil as the Managing Director of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing the decision as a bold and commendable step toward inclusive national development.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Austin Adamu Attah (JP) on Monday, the group expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for what it described as “a meritorious and broadly accepted appointment.” The Forum noted that Dr. Tsenyil, a distinguished son of the North Central region, is a competent professional and seasoned technocrat with a wealth of experience spanning both the public and private sectors.

“The appointment of Dr. Cyril Tsenyil is well deserved, commendable, and reflects a broad-based representation of the region. He brings to the role the right blend of expertise, integrity, and a proven track record in administration, development planning, and public service delivery.” the statement read.

The Forum further disclosed that key stakeholders from all states across the North Central zone have unanimously endorsed Dr. Tsenyil’s appointment, affirming their collective commitment to supporting the success of the Commission under his leadership.

“We assure Mr. President and the leadership of the country that the North Central Development and Consultative Forum will rally full support behind Dr. Tsenyil and the NCDC to ensure the Commission delivers on its mandate to fast-track socio-economic development in the region,” the statement added.

The Forum also extended appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for their roles in facilitating the appointment and advancing the interests of the North Central region.

The Okpella Traditional Clan Head Tussle has lingered on for about six years now, and it is true to say that the current government has mustered the will and courage to address the impasse by directing that a transparent process be followed, rooted in the extant laws that govern chieftaincy matters in Edo State. However, to the shock and dismay of every well-meaning sons and daughters of the land, the governor and the entire State are being taken for a ride by a select few. What they hide from His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, is now in the open.

As few individuals in Okpella are about to make the same mistake in their attempts to legitimize the illegitimate and shambolic election that was conducted for only one candidate on the 10th May, 2025.

It is very clear in the eyes of the law, as instructed by our ancestors, the ruling house, whose turn it is to produce a King for Okpella, are the ones to select a candidate, an adult male, and present to the Kingmakers. When Ukhomuyio, whose turn it is to select a king for Okpella, has more than one candidate, the law mandates them to conduct an election so that one person can emerge. It is only the winner, one male individual, that should be presented by Ukhomuyio to the 24 kingmakers for approval as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

The concerned sons and daughters of Okpella stand before you today in unity because they were among the thousands of your supporters who voted for you. They are not in defiance because they are your supporters, but in defense of our tradition, our rights, and the rule of law, which is being trampled upon.

They urgently demand the immediate suspension of the illegal and purported election of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, which took place on the 10th of May 2025. Your Excellency, the concern of Okpella is based not on hearsay, but on the clear provisions of the law. Section 4 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979, provides that:

“When a vacancy occurs, the village head or, in his absence, the senior daudu of the appropriate component branch of the appropriate ruling house shall summon and preside over a meeting of the adult males of the said component branch to nominate a suitable candidate. The candidate selected…is presented to the kingmakers…for formal approval.”

This provision is not a suggestion—it is the law. At this moment, the Ukhomunyio component branch of the ruling house, whose turn it is to produce the next Okuokpellagbe, has not met, nor nominated anyone, and has not decided on any candidate for that position.

It is clear, therefore, that Mike Sado was the only candidate who was in that meeting erroneously referred to as “election” conducted by a few individuals who are not from Ukhomuyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe. The Ukhomuyio scheduled a meeting on the 11th of May, 2025, where the entire Ukhomunyio kindreds were to discuss the way forward in respect of the process of selecting the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella as spelt out in the extant law.

Therefore, any move by the kingmakers to proceed with an election, selection, or approval process is fundamentally illegal, premature, and void of legitimacy. The election is not known by Ukhomuyio and is not lawful.

Your Excellency, the kingmakers cannot and must not vote when the rightful branch has not yet exercised its lawful and customary duty to choose its nominee. To do so is to trample upon the very process that safeguards fairness and peace in our community. This is not just about tradition. This is about justice, law, and respect for the voice of the people of Ukhomunyio and the entire Okpella Kingdom.

We appeal to your good conscience and your respect for due process to ignore the outcome of that so-called election of 10th May, 2025. We ask you to ensure that:

1. The Ukhomunyio component branch is allowed to meet, discuss, and nominate their candidate in line with the law and send it to the Kingmakers for ceremonial approval as stipulated by the law.

2. No action is taken by the kingmakers until that nomination is lawfully presented to them.

Your Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, this is your moment to uphold justice and protect peace in Okpella. Let your administration be remembered for fairness, for dialogue, not division. We say no to imposition. We want due process, justice, and peace, which are the reflections of your administration.

Thank you, and may Edo State continue to thrive under your leadership.

Mr. Adophus Omokhafe Barry writes from Ukhomuyio, Oteku Sub-Ruling House, Okpella, Edo State.