By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

The Benue State Government, through the Urban Development Board (UDB), on Thursday demolished the campaign office which serves as the National Secretariat of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu (ABT) 2027 Support Group, inaugurated barely a week ago during a ceremony attended by supporters from within and outside the state. 

The secretariat was championed by Dr. Mathias Byuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, who also doubles as the National Coordinator/Chief Convener of the group. 

Reacting to the demolition, the Director General of the support group, Dr. Simon Tarnongo expressed shock, insisting that the building had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved plan issued by the same Urban Development Board. 

“I do not want to mention names, but this thing just happened. We came into the office this morning and these people just began demolishing the building without explanation. 

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

The action ignited swift reactions among the President’s supporters, with some alleging political motives vowing that despite the setback they would continue mobilization for the President’s re-election bid. 

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has dismissed insinuations of political targeting, describing the demolition as part of the ongoing dualization of the Makurdi–Enugu federal highway. 

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula explained that the exercise was affecting structures built on designated road setbacks and government right-of-way. 

“It is mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicize the process by repainting, mounting billboards or posting the image of any leader on such structures,” he said. 

The statement noted that property owners with proper approvals had been compensated, while those without valid documentation were issued notifications in accordance with town-planning regulations. 

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics. 

The ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimization but necessary steps toward modernization and the infrastructural renewal of our dear state,” he said.