Tinubu Campaign Office Demolished in Benue, Government Denies Political Motive
Officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board have demolished part of the campaign office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Makurdi, the state capital. The structure, which also serves as the state secretariat of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, reportedly had its perimeter fence pulled down during the exercise carried out on Thursday.
The campaign office was inaugurated just last week in a ceremony attended by supporters from Benue and neighbouring North-Central states. The event was convened by Dr. Mathias Byuan, the Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group.
Reacting to the incident, the Director-General of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, condemned the demolition, describing it as “uncalled for and politically motivated.” He claimed that the secretariat possessed a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved building plan issued by the same Benue State Urban Development Board.
“We came into the office this morning to work, and these people just arrived and started demolishing parts of the building without any prior notice. This action is condemnable and unjustified. However, it will not weaken our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our vision for a united and prosperous North Central,” he stated.
In response, the Benue State Government denied any political connection to the demolition. According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo, the action was part of a broader road expansion and dualization project, not a politically motivated attack.
Tersoo clarified that the structures removed were located along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis, which falls under the Federal Government-backed Makurdi–Enugu highway dualization project. He explained that only buildings without proper approvals or those erected within the right of way were affected.
“It is mischievous for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to politicize the process by repainting, mounting billboards, or associating the structure with any political leader to stir sentiment or blackmail the government,” the statement read.
Tersoo further noted that legitimate property owners with valid documents were duly compensated, while others were advised to vacate before demolition. He urged the public to disregard what he termed “false narratives by merchants of deceit,” emphasizing that the exercise is part of the state’s infrastructure renewal efforts, not political victimization.
Despite the government’s explanation, the demolition has heightened political tension in the state, especially between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Many members of the Tinubu Support Group in Benue are known to be Akume’s loyalists, fueling speculation that the demolition may carry political undertones despite official denials.
