Newly Inaugurated Tinubu Campaign Office Demolished in Benue

Officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board have demolished part of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi, Benue State. The structure, which also serves as the state secretariat of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, had its perimeter fence pulled down during the operation on Thursday.

The office was inaugurated just last week in a ceremony attended by supporters from Benue and neighbouring North-Central states. The event was organised by Dr. Mathias Byuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, who also serves as National Coordinator of the support group.

Reacting to the incident, the group’s Director-General, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, condemned the demolition, calling it “uncalled for.” He said the building had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved plan from the same development board now responsible for the demolition. “We came into the office this morning to work, and these people just came and started demolishing the building without any notice. This action is condemnable, but it will not deter our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our vision for a stronger North Central,” he stated.

The Benue State Government denied any political motive behind the action. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, the government explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia had no hand in the demolition, describing it instead as part of a federal road expansion project.

According to the statement, the removal of structures along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis forms part of the Makurdi–Enugu highway dualization initiative. It said that all affected properties were properly assessed, with compensation offered to owners of approved buildings, while those on the right of way or lacking necessary permits were asked 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 added.

Tersoo further urged residents to disregard “false narratives by merchants of deceit,” insisting the demolition was a legitimate urban renewal effort, not political persecution.

The development has reignited political tensions in the state, particularly between Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, as several members of the Tinubu support group are known allies of the SGF, prompting speculation of deeper political undertones despite official denials.