Controversy has erupted in Benue State after urban development officials demolished part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's campaign office in Makurdi just seven days after its inauguration.
The incident occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2025, when officials from the Benue State Urban Development Board pulled down the perimeter fence of the building that also serves as the state secretariat for the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group.
Support Group Reacts with Shock and Anger
Dr Tarnongo Simon, Director-General of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, expressed shock at the demolition, describing the action as "uncalled for" and condemnable.
"We came into the office this morning to work, and these people just came and started pulling down the building. They didn't tell us anything," Simon stated.
He emphasized that the building possessed a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved plan issued by the same agency that carried out the demolition. Despite the incident, Simon affirmed their continued commitment to President Tinubu and their vision for a stronger North Central region.
Government Defends Demolition as Infrastructure Project
The Benue State Government has denied any political motivation behind the demolition. In a statement signed by Governor Hyacinth Alia's Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the government explained that the action was part of the ongoing Makurdi–Enugu Highway dualisation project.
The statement clarified that the removal of structures along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo axis was being implemented with Federal Government support as part of infrastructural renewal efforts.
"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 of any leader to stir sentiment or blackmail the government," the statement read.
The government noted that property owners with legitimate building approvals had been compensated, while those built on the right of way or without approval were directed to vacate.
Political Tension Between Alia and Akume Camps
The demolition has intensified the political friction between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Many key promoters of the Tinubu Support Group in Benue are known loyalists of Akume.
Political observers suggest the incident reflects the deepening rift between the two camps within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Benue State. This tension comes as preparations intensify ahead of upcoming political appointments and local government elections.
The secretariat had been inaugurated just one week earlier in a ceremony attended by supporters from Benue and neighboring 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 National Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group.
