Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, has declared that the state is determined to deliver one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Ode made the statement on Thursday in Makurdi while leading journalists and government officials on an inspection tour of ongoing federal and state government projects across the state.
According to the deputy governor, the pledge follows an earlier commitment made by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who had publicly promised that Benue would deliver one million votes for President Tinubu in the next general election.
“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,” Ode said.
The deputy governor said it is now his responsibility to mobilise members of the state executive council and residents across Benue to ensure the governor’s promise becomes a reality.
“I think my responsibility as the deputy governor is to make sure I mobilise the executive council and the people of Benue State in large numbers to actualise that promise that has been made by the governor,” he added.
During the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu secured 310,468 votes in Benue State, narrowly defeating Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who polled 308,372 votes, while Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 130,081 votes. At the time, Benue had over 2.7 million registered voters.
Speaking further, Ode praised the Federal Government for executing key infrastructure projects in Benue, describing them as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the state’s development.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery, an initiative of the Benue State Government under Governor Alia, saying the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic development agenda.
According to him, the brewery revives the state’s long-standing legacy in beverage production and is already producing the Zeva Beer and Zeva Malt brands.
“On assumption of office, the governor did a groundbreaking for this brewery, and that was in response to the need of the state because Benue is a very large market for beverages,” Ode said.
The deputy governor also commended the Federal Government for the ongoing construction of the Buruku Bridge in Buruku Local Government Area, describing it as a life-saving project that will boost economic activities and improve transportation.
He noted that the bridge will connect North-Central Nigeria to the North-East through Benue and Taraba states, while reducing the frequent boat accidents that have claimed lives over the years.
“This is quite a monumental project. We term it a golden gift to the people of Benue State by our President. This river has consumed lives and property over the decades,” he stated.
Also speaking during the inspection, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the projects demonstrate how the Federal Government is investing borrowed funds in critical infrastructure.
According to him, the projects will improve connectivity, reduce travel time and stimulate commercial activities across communities.
“The government has been accused of borrowing money, but we can see where the money is going—to develop infrastructure, connect communities and ensure commerce flows freely,” Onanuga said.
