Nigeria Times

The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) alleges secret political negotiations involving Wike, Akume and Ortom; insists Governor Alia should be allowed to complete two terms if re-elected.

BAGA has raised concerns over an alleged political arrangement involving prominent political figures, warning against any attempt to influence the outcome of the 2027 Benue State governorship election without the consent of voters.

In a statement signed by its President, Chief John Terfa, the group alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was involved in discussions with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom over a proposed political alliance reportedly known as the “Rainbow Coalition”.

BAGA further alleged that Wike was seeking political control over five states under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of the proposed arrangement to deliver President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with Benue reportedly among the states being considered to hand over to Wike through the Rainbow Coalition.

The group also claimed that the alleged discussions were aimed at securing the emergence of former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as a preferred governorship candidate in Benue under the proposed coalition, despite Aondoakaa being banned from holding any political office for life by Supreme Court, due to unprecedented corruption and abuse of office when he was the Attorney General.

BAGA questioned why political actors from outside Benue should have a decisive influence over who governs the state, arguing that the choice of governor must remain with the electorate.

“Benue is not a political commodity to be traded behind closed doors in Abuja. The people of the state must have the final say on who governs them and the direction their state takes,” the group said.

The organisation alleged that Wike had held a series of meetings with Akume and Ortom in recent weeks to discuss the reported arrangement.

It further claimed that tensions arose during one of the alleged meetings at Akume’s residence in Abuja recently, where Wike was said to have questioned why Akume had allowed Governor Hyacinth Alia to become so politically powerful.

It was alleged that Wike demanded that Akume should make sure Governor Alia is not re-elected or declared winner in 2027 whether he wins or not and boast of having the judiciary under his control.

BAGA rejected what it described as an attempt to determine Benue’s political leadership through negotiations among powerful individuals, insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia should be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted tenure, if re-elected in 2027.

The group said it believed Alia’s administration was performing well in governance and development, adding that political alliances should not be used to undermine the democratic choices of the electorate.

It also criticised the record of Ortom’s administration and expressed concern about what it described as divisions within Benue’s political space arising from the influence of powerful political interests within and outside the state.

BAGA argued that any coalition seeking to influence the 2027 election should be based on transparent principles, competence, accountability and the interests of the people, rather than personal ambition or political bargaining in Abuja.

The group also challenged political actors seeking the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue their ambitions without attaching conditions that could compromise the democratic choices of the voters.

“Benue people are politically conscious. They will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent,” the statement said.

The organisation called on voters, civil society groups and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and defend the state’s democratic rights ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Whatever colour it is given; Rainbow, PDP or otherwise, the people will reject any arrangement that threatens their collective interests and development,” BAGA said.

“Benue is not Rivers and we will not allow Wike from Rivers State to choose a governor for us in Benue State,” the group added.

According to BAGA, the central issue is whether political negotiations in Abuja will respect the right of Benue voters to determine their own leadership.

The group maintains that the state’s governorship should not be decided through private agreements among political power brokers, but through a democratic process in which the people have the final say.

The Intelligentsia Machinery (IM) has congratulated Seyi Tinubu on his birthday, celebrating his contributions to enterprise development, humanitarian service, youth empowerment and national engagement.

The organisation, in a congratulatory message signed by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Com Umar Farouk on behalf of its resource persons, members and senior executives, described the birthday as an opportunity to reflect on Tinubu’s personal journey, professional accomplishments, philanthropic engagements and responsibilities associated with influence and public visibility.

The organisation celebrated Tinubu as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate of youth empowerment, noting that his public profile encompasses private-sector enterprise, legal training, humanitarian interventions and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to the statement, the birthday provides an appropriate moment to acknowledge the different dimensions of his public profile while encouraging the continued expansion of programmes capable of delivering measurable and sustainable benefits to Nigerians.

“Today, we celebrate not merely another year in your life but also an opportunity to reflect on your personal journey, professional accomplishments, humanitarian engagements, and the responsibilities that accompany influence, privilege, and public visibility in a developing nation such as Nigeria,” the statement said.

Education, Enterprise and Personal Development

The organisation highlighted Tinubu’s educational background, noting that he studied Business Administration at the University of Maryland in the United States and Law at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.

It said the educational experiences provided an important context for understanding his subsequent involvement in business, entrepreneurship and public engagement, adding that his professional journey reflected the intersection of business knowledge, legal training, strategic thinking and opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving private sector.

The statement also recognised his role as Chief Executive of Loatsad Promomedia, where he has been associated with Nigeria’s out-of-home advertising industry.

According to IM, the sector connects businesses, brands, consumers and the wider commercial environment, while private enterprise remains important to Nigeria’s economic development.

It noted that businesses could contribute to employment, innovation, professional development and opportunities for young people through investments in talent, new ideas and sustainable operations.

The organisation therefore encouraged Tinubu to continue pursuing enterprise that advances commercial objectives while contributing to skills development, responsible business practices and the growth of Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial economy.

Philanthropy and the Responsibility to Give Back

On philanthropy, the organisation acknowledged Tinubu’s association with the Noella Foundation and other humanitarian engagements, noting that publicly reported activities linked to his philanthropic work had included healthcare support, assistance to vulnerable communities and initiatives intended to improve access to opportunities for young Nigerians.

It said the interventions underscored the importance of social responsibility and demonstrated how influence could be used to address the practical needs of individuals and communities.

The statement observed that Nigeria continued to face challenges relating to poverty, access to healthcare, educational opportunities and economic inclusion.

It added that partnerships among philanthropic organisations, businesses, community groups and public institutions could complement wider development efforts.

IM specifically acknowledged reports of healthcare interventions associated with Tinubu’s philanthropic activities, including the Drug Banks for Indigent Patients initiative launched at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Kaduna State in August 2024.

It also recognised public accounts of humanitarian assistance provided to communities affected by flooding in Borno State in 2024.

According to the organisation, such interventions demonstrated the importance of responding to the needs of vulnerable people, particularly during periods of displacement, hardship and uncertainty.

The organisation encouraged the continued strengthening of these humanitarian efforts through transparent implementation, broad access, measurable outcomes and sustained attention to community development.

It stated that the true significance of philanthropy lay not simply in the resources committed but also in the dignity restored, opportunities created and improvements sustained in the lives of beneficiaries.

The statement added that these outcomes reflected the importance of maintaining a commitment to the common good.

Youth Empowerment and the Future of Nigeria

The organisation also identified Tinubu’s engagements with youth-focused initiatives as an important dimension of his public profile.

It noted that Nigeria had an energetic and ambitious young population whose potential could be strengthened through quality education, vocational training, mentorship, entrepreneurship, digital skills and access to productive opportunities.

However, it stressed that ambition alone was insufficient, explaining that young people also needed supportive institutions, access to finance, professional guidance, practical experience and an economic environment in which hard work and creativity could translate into meaningful progress.

The statement highlighted Tinubu’s association and initiative with the Seyi Tinubu Empowerment Project (STEP), describing it as part of the focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurial development.

IM expressed the belief that initiatives of this nature could make a more enduring contribution through structured programmes that equip beneficiaries with practical skills, business knowledge, mentorship and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

The organisation encouraged the continued expansion of youth-centred programmes capable of reaching young Nigerians across different regions, backgrounds and economic circumstances.

It said its aspiration was to see a generation of young Nigerians who were not merely beneficiaries of assistance but also employers, innovators, responsible citizens, community leaders and contributors to national development.

The statement further attributed Tinubu’s public profile to various initiatives and philanthropic activities which, according to the organisation, had impacted lives and created far-reaching and enduring legacies.

Leadership, Influence and Public Responsibility

On leadership and public responsibility, IM noted that public visibility brought both opportunities and responsibilities, particularly for individuals whose activities attracted national attention.

It said the challenge was to ensure that influence contributed constructively to society and that public engagements remained connected to the expectations and concerns of ordinary citizens.

The organisation observed that Tinubu’s public profile had developed within the context of business, philanthropy, family prominence and increasing public interest in the role of young Nigerians in national affairs.

It also credited him with supporting and promoting youth participation in governance under the present administration, describing the development as significant in the country’s political history.

The statement, however, acknowledged that public assessments of influential figures could differ, stressing that meaningful public confidence was strengthened through openness, accountability, constructive engagement and demonstrable results.

IM therefore regarded the birthday as an opportunity to encourage continued investment in programmes that promote social inclusion, entrepreneurship, humanitarian assistance and the participation of young people in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.

It expressed the hope that Tinubu would continue to demonstrate the enduring value of these commitments through initiatives whose outcomes could be assessed by the people and communities they were intended to serve.

The organisation wished him more glorious days ahead in his service to the nation and humanity.

Bridging Opportunities and Social Impact

The statement emphasised that Nigeria’s development required collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, philanthropists, professional bodies and young people.

It noted that no single individual or institution could resolve the country’s numerous social and economic challenges alone, adding that progress depended on partnerships that combined resources, expertise, innovation and a shared commitment to the public good.

According to IM, the relationship between entrepreneurship and social impact remained important because commercial success could create opportunities, while responsible philanthropy could help address urgent social needs.

It added that when these efforts were supported by transparent processes and a commitment to measurable results, their benefits could extend beyond individual beneficiaries to families and communities.

The organisation also acknowledged what it described as the present administration’s commitment to such processes, while encouraging Tinubu to continue building partnerships that strengthen educational opportunities, improve access to healthcare, support emerging entrepreneurs and promote constructive engagement among young Nigerians.

It further expressed the hope that his future engagements would reflect an appreciation of Nigeria’s diversity and the importance of extending opportunities fairly across geographical, social and economic boundaries.

The statement described this as a key focus and direction of his engagements.

Birthday Wishes and Renewed Purpose

As Tinubu marks another year, the organisation said birthdays provided opportunities for celebration, gratitude, reflection and renewed purpose.

It expressed the hope that the new year would bring him good health, wisdom, peace, renewed determination and greater opportunities to contribute positively to society.

The organisation also wished that his professional pursuits would continue to create value, his humanitarian engagements would reach more people in need, and his youth-focused initiatives would help more Nigerians develop the skills and confidence required to build productive futures.

It encouraged him to remain open to constructive dialogue, embrace accountability and sustain a commitment to initiatives whose benefits could be clearly demonstrated in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

For the Intelligentsia Machinery, the statement said, the birthday celebration was an occasion to extend goodwill and reaffirm the importance of enterprise, humanitarian service, youth development and responsible public engagement in building a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria where every life matters.

Describing Tinubu as a leader and mentor, the organisation characterised him as an audacious and kind-hearted individual whose love for humanity knew no bounds.

It wished him a fulfilling new year of life marked by good health, sound judgement, personal happiness, professional progress and meaningful accomplishments.

The organisation further expressed the hope that the years ahead would provide greater opportunities for him to expand his contributions to healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and community development.

It also prayed that his journey would continue to be guided by a commitment to service, a willingness to learn and a determination to translate opportunities into lasting value for society.

The statement concluded with birthday wishes to Tinubu, expressing hopes for long life, good health, greater wisdom and many more years of purposeful achievement.

“Once again, the Resource Persons, Members, and Senior Executives of the Intelligentsia Machinery (IM) warmly congratulate you on your birthday anniversary,” the statement said.

The message was signed by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Com Umar Farouk on behalf of the resource persons, members and senior executives of the Intelligentsia Machinery.

The Frontline runner of the Benue State governorship election come 2027 in Benue State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN has top the list of the final flagbearers to run for the poll come 2027.

The Benue State governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and Prof. Terhemba Shija of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have made the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the February 6, 2027, governorship election.

Other candidates on the list are Herman Iorwase Hembe of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nyibiam Kwaghshir of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Adagba Iorhen of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mercy Ujah Engole of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Dominic Ochenehi of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mathias Terwase Byuan of the Labour Party (LP), Terese Paul Wombo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Roseline Ada Chenge of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and Simon Ocheme Ogbe of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) respectively.

Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, had promised to establish specialised geriatric units in hospitals across the state to provide free basic healthcare and minor surgical procedures for elderly citizens if elected governor in 2027.

He maintained that the the initiative would form part of his administration’s broader agenda on healthcare, security, pensioners’ welfare, infrastructure development and prudent management of public resources.

The PDP candidate said government had both a moral and constitutional responsibility to cater for citizens who had spent their productive years contributing to the development of the state.

According to him, the proposed geriatric units would be specially equipped to provide elderly people with quality and specialised medical care in a conducive environment.

He said basic healthcare services and minor surgical procedures would be provided free of charge to senior citizens under the proposed programme.

“We have a duty to care for our elderly people who are in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and older.

“Beyond government responsibility, it is part of our African culture to honour and support those who have worked hard and sacrificed for society. They deserve access to quality healthcare and dignity in old age,” Aondoakaa said.

He said his administration, if elected, would place healthcare and security among its foremost priorities, stressing that the two sectors were fundamental to the wellbeing and development of the state.

“Our healthcare system must be responsive to the needs of ordinary people, especially the vulnerable and the elderly.

“At the same time, government must take seriously its responsibility to protect lives and property because security is the foundation of development,” he stated.

On the recurring debate over livestock management and ranching in the state, Aondoakaa maintained that ranching should primarily remain a private business venture, with government creating the necessary environment for private investors and livestock owners to operate.

“Ranching is a private enterprise. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to take over the business itself,” he said.

The PDP candidate also expressed concern over the hardship faced by retired civil servants in the state, particularly those affected by outstanding pensions and gratuities.

Aondoakaa argued that workers who dedicated several decades to the service of the state should not face hardship and uncertainty after retirement.

“Those who spent their productive years serving the state should not be abandoned in retirement.

“Pensioners are entitled to their benefits and should be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

He further argued that the payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities should not be portrayed as extraordinary achievements by any government, describing them as fundamental obligations arising from the relationship between the state and its workforce.

“Salaries and pensions are not favours. They are obligations arising from the relationship between government and its workers.

“Fulfilling those obligations should be routine and not something that is celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” Aondoakaa added.

On infrastructure, the PDP governorship candidate promised to adopt a more consultative, professionally driven approach to conceiving and executing major government projects.

He said his administration would subject major projects to rigorous scrutiny while involving relevant ministries, technical experts and other stakeholders to ensure that public funds were properly utilised.

“There will be proper consultation before major projects are undertaken. Our focus will be on infrastructure that improves the lives of the people and delivers measurable value for public funds,” he stated.

Aondoakaa also pledged to make greater use of the expertise and institutional knowledge available within the state’s civil service.

He described career civil servants as a reservoir of technical competence and institutional memory, saying their knowledge should be better utilised in government planning and project implementation.

“Our civil servants possess invaluable knowledge and experience. They understand how government works and should be actively involved in planning and implementing development projects. We must make better use of that expertise,” he said.

The former Attorney General said his administration would also prioritise policies capable of translating public resources into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

The Executive Director, Network, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, has paid glowing tribute to the Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose administration has redefined governance and accelerated development across the state.
Engr. Bello, in a congratulatory message made available to journalists, said Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s journey in public service has been marked by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Gombe State and its people.
According to him, the Governor’s leadership has produced measurable improvements in critical sectors of the state’s economy while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management.
“As Governor Inuwa Yahaya celebrates his 65th birthday, Gombe State has every reason to celebrate a leader whose vision has continued to shape the future of the state. His commitment to good governance, infrastructural renewal, economic diversification, and human capital development has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.”
Engr. Bello noted that beyond physical projects and policy achievements, the Governor’s greatest strength lies in his ability to inspire confidence, unite diverse interests, and build consensus around the collective aspirations of the people.
He described Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a statesman whose calm disposition, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership style have earned him widespread respect across political, business, and community circles.
“The Governor represents a rare blend of experience, wisdom, humility, and courage. His leadership has demonstrated that genuine development is achieved not merely through promises but through deliberate actions and a clear sense of purpose. His accomplishments today stand as enduring testimony to his dedication to public service.”
The NDPHC Executive Director further stated that the Governor’s developmental strides have elevated the profile of Gombe State and strengthened the confidence of investors, development partners, and stakeholders in the state’s future.
He added that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has become a reference point for effective governance, with policies designed to create opportunities, improve livelihoods, and promote long-term economic stability.
“As he marks this remarkable milestone, we celebrate not only the years he has spent on earth but the positive impact he has made in the lives of countless people. His legacy is one of service, vision, and transformational leadership.”
Engr. Bello prayed for Almighty God to continue to bless the Governor with sound health, greater wisdom, and renewed strength as he continues to serve the people of Gombe State and contribute to Nigeria’s development.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I extend heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on his 65th birthday. May the years ahead bring even greater accomplishments, fulfillment, and continued service to humanity.”

Signed:
Engr. Bello Babayo Bello
Executive Director, Network
Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

The Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has called for a thorough and evidence-based investigation into allegations of contract fraud and misappropriation involving the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), stressing that allegations and audit observations should not be treated as proof of personal guilt.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Director of IADI, Comrade Ofomhi Christopher, said the organisation was responding to a publication by a media organisation dated October 1, 2026, which alleged that about ₦6.69 billion was involved in contract fraud and misappropriation at the NNRA.

IADI also referred to a protest reportedly staged at the NNRA headquarters on October 5 by Global Integrity Watch (GIW), during which the organisation demanded accountability, responses to audit observations and Freedom of Information requests, as well as changes in the leadership of the regulatory authority.

Christopher said the allegations had attracted legitimate public interest but urged all parties to allow evidence, rather than headlines or predetermined conclusions, to guide the process.

“An allegation is not a conviction,” he said, arguing that the public should have access to the underlying audit observations, the periods and transactions involved, the contracts concerned, the status of projects or services, responses from the NNRA and the current status of any outstanding observations.

According to IADI, an audit observation is a serious matter that requires explanation and verification but does not, on its own, constitute a judicial finding of fraud or personal misappropriation.

The organisation also acknowledged an explanation attributed to the NNRA Director-General concerning the authority’s 2024 capital budget.

According to the explanation cited by IADI, the NNRA’s total capital budget for 2024 was approximately ₦2.7 billion, comprising about ₦200 million said to belong directly to the authority and approximately ₦2.5 billion relating to constituency projects. The explanation also referred to an additional ₦200 million regional project, bringing the total figure referenced to about ₦2.9 billion.

IADI said it was not presenting the explanation as conclusive, but maintained that the figures should be tested against appropriation documents, budget releases, project records, procurement documents, payment records and relevant audit reports.

The organisation said allegations concerning unexecuted projects should be subjected to physical verification, while claims of inflated contract prices should be examined through contracts, bills of quantities, procurement records and relevant price benchmarks.

It also called for scrutiny of contractor records where necessary and said any allegation of diversion or misappropriation should be tested by following the financial trail.

“Audit questions should lead to verification. Verification should lead to findings. And findings should determine the appropriate action,” Christopher said.

The organisation also addressed the October 5 protest by Global Integrity Watch, noting that civil society organisations have the constitutional right to demand accountability and organise peaceful assemblies.

IADI cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, while stressing that such rights should be exercised peacefully and within the law.

On Freedom of Information requests, the organisation said there should be a distinction between the right to protest and the legal remedies available where an FOI request is not answered.

IADI noted that the Freedom of Information Act provides a judicial mechanism for applicants who have been denied access to information or whose requests are deemed to have been denied. It urged civil society groups to consider available legal and institutional mechanisms alongside peaceful civic action.

An unanswered FOI request, the organisation argued, may justify further steps to obtain the requested information but should not, by itself, be treated as proof that allegations of fraud or misappropriation are true.

IADI also urged organisers of protests at government institutions to consider public safety, access to government premises and the safety of protesters, workers and members of the public.

At the same time, it said government institutions must respect lawful civic expression and should not use possible institutional tensions as a justification for suppressing peaceful protests.

“The answer to institutional disagreement should be law, evidence and due process, not intimidation or retaliation,” Christopher said.

IADI stressed that its position was neither to shield NNRA officials from scrutiny nor to dismiss questions surrounding public expenditure.

The organisation called on relevant audit and oversight authorities to publicly clarify the status of the observations in question, responses received from the NNRA and whether the matters had been resolved, sustained or referred for further investigation.

It also encouraged civil society organisations pursuing accountability to make full use of available legal and institutional mechanisms while retaining their legitimate right to peaceful civic action.

“The public deserves accountability. But the public also deserves accuracy, fairness and evidence,” Christopher said.

He added: “A headline is not a verdict. An allegation is not evidence. An audit observation is not automatically a finding of personal guilt.”

IADI concluded by urging all relevant authorities and stakeholders to examine the records, answer the questions raised and allow evidence to determine the outcome.

“Let the records be examined. Let the questions be answered. Let the evidence speak,” Christopher said.