Benue Governor Drops Bombshell: 620,000 Votes for Tinubu in 2027
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia walked into Aso Rock on Monday with a promise that turned heads across the political landscape. He pledged to deliver at least 620,000 votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. That is double the 310,468 votes Tinubu pulled in the state during the 2023 presidential election. This is not just a number. It is a statement. A bold, unapologetic declaration that Benue is now firmly in the APC camp.
Alia made this clear after meeting Tinubu alongside former Governor Gabriel Suswam. Suswam, a heavyweight in Benue politics, has officially aligned with the APC. That move alone shifts the balance of power in the state. Alia said, 'I am very confident that as I won the election, even the first time, we are going to double the numbers for him. APC will continue to remain just one hold, one threshold, and we are going to make it good for him and for the entire Benue State as well.'
Why This Matters for Nigeria's Political Future
Benue has been a PDP stronghold for years. Under former Governor Samuel Ortom, the state leaned heavily toward the opposition. In 2023, Ortom openly voted for Peter Obi. Tinubu still won Benue by a razor-thin margin of just 2,096 votes. That was 310,468 votes against Obi's 308,372. Now, with Alia and Suswam on board, the APC is aiming for a knockout punch in 2027. This is not just about votes. It is about breaking the PDP's grip on the Middle Belt.
What Alia Discussed with the President
The governor's visit was not just about numbers. He updated Tinubu on the security situation in Benue, the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the farming season. Benue is the food basket of the nation. If IDPs are voluntarily going home, the state needs to ensure they can farm without fear. Alia said, 'Previously we've had lots of security hits. It has calmed down. The President needed to know the position of the IDPs now in the state.'
Alia also briefed the President on Suswam's formal alignment with the APC. He described Suswam as 'someone in the big three of his stature' who needed to interface directly with the President. That is respect. That is strategy. That is how you build a winning coalition.
Internal Tensions? No Problem, Says Alia
After the APC primaries, some party faithful in Benue have been agitated. Alia acknowledged this but remained confident. He said, 'I know there are some agitations from the very APC faithful after the primaries, but I believe it is going to calm down. Mr President is a democrat who understands this. He is a grassroots person.' That is the kind of steady leadership Benue needs. No drama. Just results.
Tinubu's Recent Visit and Commissioned Projects
Tinubu visited Benue just a week ago for the state's 50th anniversary celebrations. During that visit, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila commissioned a fruit concentrate factory on the President's behalf. A beer factory and a fruit juice factory are still awaiting commissioning. The First Lady also commissioned 10 urban renewal road projects. Alia said, 'We came to thank him for showing up at Benue at 50, and then also to have him updated on the situation report of the entire state.'
FAQ: What You Need to Know
Why is Alia promising 620,000 votes for Tinubu?
Alia wants to double Tinubu's 2023 votes in Benue. He believes the APC's growing strength in the state, including Suswam's alignment, makes this achievable.
How did Tinubu perform in Benue in 2023?
Tinubu won Benue with 310,468 votes against Peter Obi's 308,372. The margin was only 2,096 votes.
What other issues did Alia discuss with Tinubu?
Alia updated the President on security, IDP returns, the farming season, and Suswam's APC alignment.
This is Benue rising. This is Africa's heartbeat. And we are watching it unfold.