Godwin Ityoachimin, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Benue State election, has criticised Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration over what he described as the rising wave of thuggery, insecurity, and executive disobedience in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Ityoachimin, an estate surveyor and real estate developer, said recent political developments in Benue are deeply troubling. He condemned groups chanting “No Alia, No Benue,” describing their actions as unlawful, undemocratic, and a threat to peace.
He accused the governor of turning a blind eye to the activities of such groups, alleging that intimidation, arson, and harassment were being used to silence political opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. “Before Alia, Benue existed, and even after Alia, Benue will still exist,” he declared.
“What is happening in Benue today is regrettable. How can a group of people decide who contests an election, which is a constitutional right? How can you assemble gangsters to harass people, chanting in the streets, ‘No Alia, No Benue’? It is a dangerous trend—a prelude to anarchy and crisis. Security agencies must act now,” he said.
Referring to the June Yelewata attack in which over 100 people were killed, the APC aspirant criticised Governor Alia’s failure to act decisively, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered a stakeholders’ meeting that, according to him, has been ignored for nearly three months.
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If elected in 2027, Ityoachimin said security would be his top priority, with massive investment in personnel, infrastructure, and modern technology. He also promised to foster regional security collaboration with Nasarawa and Taraba states to curb cross-border crime.
On youth violence in politics, he blamed the state government for enabling thuggery instead of condemning it. Citing recent violent clashes in Gboko, he warned that Benue risked sliding into anarchy if the trend continued ahead of 2027. He urged the state to invest in youth empowerment through structured programmes in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he cautioned.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and a secure, united, and prosperous Benue, Ityoachimin called on security agencies and traditional institutions to protect democracy in the state.
Despite his criticisms of the state government, he praised President Tinubu for stabilising the national economy and tackling insecurity under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He pledged full support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing him as a promise-keeper.
