Tinubu Campaign Office Demolished in Makurdi Amid Political Tension

Malik Yahya/

Part of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi, Benue State, has been demolished by officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board.

The building, which also serves as the state secretariat of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, had its perimeter fence pulled down during the operation said to have taken place on Thursday.

The campaign office was inaugurated last week at a ceremony attended by supporters from Benue and neighbouring North-Central states.

The event was convened by Dr Mathias Byuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the support group.

Reacting to the incident, the Director-General of the group, Dr Tarnongo Simon, condemned the demolition, describing it as “uncalled for”.

He said the building had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved plan issued by the Benue State Urban Development Board, questioning the motive behind the action.

“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. This action is condemnable because it is uncalled for. However, the demolition will not deter our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our vision for a stronger North Central,” he said.

The Benue State Government has, however, denied any political motive.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, the government said Governor Hyacinth Alia had no hand in the demolition.

It explained that the affected building was one of several structures removed as part of a road dualisation project along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis of the Makurdi–Enugu highway.

According to the statement, the project, which is backed by the Federal Government, required the removal of structures built on the right of way. It said properties with valid approvals were assessed and compensated, while those without approval were directed to vacate.

“It is mischievous for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to politicise the process by repainting, mounting billboards or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures to stir sentiment or blackmail the government,” the statement said.

Tersoo added that the demolition covers the entire stretch from Makurdi to the Benue–Enugu boundary, urging residents to disregard “false narratives by merchants of deceit”.

He stressed that the exercise was part of infrastructural renewal, not political victimisation.

The incident has, however, fuelled renewed political tension in the state, particularly between Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Many leading members of the Tinubu support group in Benue are known loyalists of the SGF, prompting speculation that the demolition may have deeper political implications despite the government’s denial.