2027 Elections: Benue Will Deliver One Million Votes for Tinubu, Deputy Governor Ode Vows

Benue State has set an ambitious political target ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Deputy Governor Samuel Ode declaring that the state will mobilise every available resource to deliver one million votes for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing state and federal projects, Ode said the pledge reflects the commitment already made by Governor Hyacinth Alia and that the administration is determined to fulfil it.

“We already have a pronouncement by the governor of Benue State, His Excellency Father Alia. He made the pronouncement that Benue will deliver one million votes for Mr. President,” the deputy governor said.

Ode stated that he would spearhead efforts to rally members of the State Executive Council, party stakeholders and residents across Benue to ensure the target becomes a reality when Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.

The declaration marks a significant increase from the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Benue. President Bola Tinubu secured 310,468 votes to narrowly defeat Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who polled 308,372 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, received 130,081 votes. The state had more than 2.7 million registered voters during the election.

Beyond politics, Ode praised the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects in Benue, particularly the construction of the Buruku Bridge in Buruku Local Government Area. He described the bridge as a transformative investment that will connect Benue to Taraba State, strengthening economic activities between the North-Central and North-East regions.

He noted that the bridge would end decades of hardship caused by dangerous river crossings, saying countless lives and property had been lost in boat accidents along the route over the years.

The deputy governor also applauded Governor Alia’s administration for establishing the Food Basket Brewery, which produces the Zeva brand of beer and malt. He said the project aligns with broader economic development efforts aimed at expanding industrial activities and creating opportunities within the state.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the projects demonstrate how government borrowing is being channelled into infrastructure development. He argued that investments such as the Buruku Bridge would improve transportation, connect underserved communities and promote commerce across the region