2027: Alternative Movement urges Benue political leaders to unite ahead of election

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, leaders of a political group, the Alternative Movement, have called on leaders in Benue State to unite to ensure a coordinated and successful election and victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The convener of the group, Mr Segun Showunmi, made the call at the movement’s town hall meeting held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, themed “Bridging the Divide, Building Trust Through Shared Purpose”.

Showunmi urged political leaders and residents to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal divisions could undermine the state’s interests.

He said Benue and other states in the North-Central region should position themselves to contribute meaningfully to the country’s leadership, noting that political power was not permanently restricted to particular regions.

The convener urged residents to mobilise voters ahead of the elections, saying Benue had more than 3.05 million registered voters capable of influencing national political outcomes.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for infrastructure development in Benue State, particularly road projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, saying some roads that had remained neglected for years were now receiving attention under the current administration.

He further said the Federal Government was strengthening security arrangements, including the deployment of military formations, to address security challenges in the state.

He noted that Benue had attracted serious attention from American leaders over insecurity and the suffering of its people.

Showunmi, who disclosed that he had visited the United States Congress three times and engaged with its leadership on issues concerning Benue State, said discussions among American leaders had increasingly focused on the security challenges and humanitarian concerns affecting Benue.

Also speaking, the Benue State Coordinator of the Alternative Movement, Mr Edwin Adai, specifically called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue and reconciliation to prevent political tensions from escalating into violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adai warned that prolonged political disagreements could result in avoidable loss of lives if leaders failed to prioritise peace and the welfare of residents.

He urged the two leaders to put aside their differences and work together to address insecurity, unemployment, education, agriculture and economic development.

According to him, the interests of Benue residents should take precedence over personal ambitions and political rivalries.

Adai cited former Senate Presidents David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, alongside Akume, as examples of political leaders who had demonstrated that disagreements could be resolved through dialogue.

He also expressed concern over the involvement of some youths in cultism, internet fraud and other criminal activities, and called for improved education, vocational training, mentorship, access to capital and employment opportunities to help young people pursue legitimate livelihoods.

Adai urged political leaders to desist from recruiting or manipulating youths for violence, stressing the need to channel their energy into education, enterprise, agriculture and innovation.

He said farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, women and vulnerable households needed peace, security, accessible healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities to improve their living conditions.

Adai said: “Disagreement destroys responsibility and democracy is weakened when disagreement turn to violence.

“Benue needs unity of purpose. In Benue Political different should not destroy personal relationships or prevent leaders from sitting together to profer solutions to societal problems. Relationship between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the SGF, Senator George Akume should not be different. Let’s work hard to reconcile our fathers.”

He appealed to them to sheathe their swords, engage in consultations, demonstrate tolerance for one another, look towards the common man, and work together for a peaceful 2027 election.