By Sochima Agbo | November 7, 2025

Officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board have demolished part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi, sparking controversy and political tension in the state.

The structure, which also serves as the state secretariat of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group, reportedly had its perimeter fence pulled down on Thursday. The office was commissioned only last week at a ceremony attended by supporters from Benue and other 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 group.

In a reaction, the Director-General of the support group, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, condemned the action, describing it as unjustified and politically motivated. He said the building had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved building plan issued by the same authority now carrying out the demolition.

“We resumed work this morning only to see officials pulling down our fence without prior notice. This is unacceptable, but it will not shake our loyalty to President Tinubu and our vision for the North Central,” Simon stated.

However, the Benue State Government dismissed allegations of political persecution, insisting that the demolition was part of a Federal Government–supported road expansion project.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo, the government explained that the demolition affected structures built along the Wurukum–Yaikyor–Apir–Ikpayongo corridor, as part of the Makurdi–Enugu highway dualisation.

“It is misleading for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful removal to politicise the process by repainting or mounting political billboards to create false impressions,” the statement read.

The government said all affected properties had been duly assessed, with owners of approved buildings compensated, while those lacking proper documentation were asked to vacate.

Despite the clarification, the incident has deepened existing political rifts in Benue. Many members of the Tinubu support group are said to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, whose relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia has grown increasingly strained.