A newly inaugurated campaign office for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Benue State has been demolished by officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board, triggering fresh political tensions in the state.
The structure, located in Makurdi and serving as the state headquarters of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, had its perimeter fence and portions of the building torn down during an operation on Thursday.
The office was only unveiled last week at a ceremony attended by supporters from across Benue and neighboring North-Central states. The event was organized by Dr. Mathias Byuan, a Federal Housing Authority executive and national coordinator of the group.
Reacting to the demolition, the group’s Director-General, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, condemned the action as “uncalled for and politically motivated.”
“We came to the office this morning and saw government officials demolishing the building without any notice. This is unjustified. We have valid approvals and a Certificate of Occupancy,” Simon said, adding that the group remained committed to President Tinubu’s vision “for a stronger North Central.”
However, the Benue State Government has denied any political motive.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, the government said the demolition was part of an ongoing road dualization project on the Makurdi–Enugu highway.
“It is mischievous for anyone whose structure has been marked for lawful demolition to politicize the process by repainting or posting the image of any leader on such buildings,” Tersoo stated.
He explained that the removal of affected structures was in line with the Federal Government–backed infrastructure renewal plan, adding that owners of legitimate buildings with proper approvals were compensated, while those on the right of way were asked to vacate.
Despite the clarification, the incident has reignited political tension 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 allies of Akume — a development fueling speculation that the demolition may have deeper political undertones despite official denials.
