Demolition of Campaign Office Sparks Controversy in Benue State
A section of the campaign office for President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, has been demolished. The building, which was previously used as the state secretariat for the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, had its fence torn down by the Benue State Urban Development Board.
The campaign office was inaugurated just last week in a ceremony that drew a large crowd from Benue and other North Central states. The event was organized by Dr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria. He also serves as the National Coordinator and Chief Convener of the group.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, the Director-General of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu PABT Support Group, stated that the demolished structure had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved building plan from the Benue State Urban Development Board.
He expressed surprise at the reason behind the demolition, saying:
“I don’t want to mention names. This just happened. We came into the office this morning to work, and these people just came and started demolishing the building. They didn’t tell us anything. I have reported the matter to the convener of this organisation. This action is condemnable because it is uncalled for. The demolition of our secretariat will not deter our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our vision for a stronger North Central.”
Government Response to the Demolition
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has responded to the incident. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Terso, the government denied that the state governor ordered the demolition of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu campaign office in Makurdi.
The statement clarified that the group misrepresented the ongoing demolition exercise along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis of Makurdi as a political move. It explained that the demolitions currently taking place on designated road setbacks and rights of way are part of the legitimate and well-supervised dualisation of the Makurdi–Enugu highway.
This infrastructure project is a critical initiative of the Federal Government, with cooperation from state governments, designed to ease traffic, improve safety, and promote socio-economic growth.
Governor Hyacinth Alia explained that the government, through the relevant agencies, conducted thorough assessments on all approved structures affected by the dualization project. The statement read:
“Owners of legitimate buildings with proper approvals have been duly compensated in accordance with laid-down procedures. However, those whose properties lacked approval or were illegally erected on government rights of way were duly notified and directed to vacate, as such structures contravene town planning regulations and pose a danger to the integrity of the road expansion work.”
The governor emphasized that it is mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicize the process by repainting, mounting billboards, or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures, in an attempt to stir sentiment or blackmail the government.
Broader Implications of the Project
Alia further clarified that the exercise is not limited to Makurdi. The dualization extends from Makurdi to the Benue–Enugu boundary, while the Enugu State Government will continue from its boundary to the termination point of the project. This road project is being executed in phases.
The governor urged the public to disregard false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics, stating that the ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimisation but necessary steps toward modernisation and infrastructural renewal of the state.
He added:
“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of distortion and political mischief. We appeal to well-meaning citizens to see the bigger picture; this project, once completed, will bring immense benefits to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration remains committed to the rule of law, fairness, and the collective progress of all. Harbingers of falsehood should give way to truth and development.”