By Our Correspondent in Abuja
A fresh political controversy has erupted ahead of the 2027 general elections as the International Centre for Transparency Nigeria (ICTN) alleged the existence of a high-level political arrangement involving key opposition figures and influential actors within Benue State politics.
According to a press release from Lubem Gana, the publisher of News Headquarters on Friday, the group made the allegation during a press conference held at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, addressed by its National Leader, Prof. Joseph Vershima. ICTN claimed a strategic alliance is being negotiated to reshape the political landscape of Benue State ahead of 2027.
According to ICTN, the alleged arrangement involves the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa.
The group alleged that the deal is designed to influence both the presidential and governorship contests in Benue State, warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.
ICTN alleged that elements within the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have entered into an understanding to support the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar ahead of 2027.
The organization further claimed that Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, described as a long-standing political associate of Atiku Abubakar, has played a key role in building a bridge between former Governor Ortom’s political structure and a faction of the APC allegedly loyal to Senator George Akume.
According to the group, part of the alleged arrangement is that Atiku Abubakar would provide financial support for the PDP governorship candidate in Benue State, while Senator Akume’s political structure and elements within the PDP would support and mobilize for Atiku’s presidential campaign.
ICTN questioned the political implications of such an arrangement, asking whether those involved would ultimately prioritize the interest of the APC and President Tinubu or pursue a separate political agenda ahead of 2027.
The pressure group warned that any alleged collaboration aimed at weakening the APC’s support base in Benue could directly affect President Tinubu’s chances of retaining the state during the 2027 presidential election.
“Beyond the governorship contest, this development has implications for the presidential election because Benue remains a strategic state in the North Central,” the group stated. ICTN urged President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to pay close attention to internal political dynamics.
The organization drew parallels with the 2007 presidential election, alleging that Senator George Akume’s political decisions at the time favoured Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid against the preferred candidate of the ruling establishment. It questioned whether a similar realignment could emerge again in 2027.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator George Akume, former Governor Samuel Ortom, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, and representatives of Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to the allegations. This publication has not independently verified the claims made by ICTN and continues to seek documentary evidence and responses from all parties mentioned.
