The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, has criticised former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over his recent comments about the Benue governor, urging him to focus on political issues in Kano.
Kula made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday after Kwankwaso criticised Alia over the disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Benue and commented on the governor’s relationship with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The governor’s aide described Kwankwaso’s comments as an “unfortunate and unwarranted insult,” while alleging that the former Kano governor’s position was connected to the controversy surrounding Obi’s visit.
“We understand his misplaced grudge against Governor Alia,” Kula said, alleging that Obi was brought into Benue without proper coordination before accusations were made against the state government.
Kula maintained that Alia was elected by the people of Benue and that his mandate should be respected regardless of political differences. He also rejected Kwankwaso’s comments on the relationship between Alia and Akume, describing them as interference in the state’s internal affairs.
“Someone needs to tell the former Governor of Kano State that, rather than interfering in Benue’s internal affairs… he should focus on the political challenges confronting him in Kano,” Kula said.
The controversy is linked to the September 8 disruption of Obi’s visit to Benue, when youths blocked the former Anambra governor’s convoy in Makurdi. The circumstances surrounding the visit have remained contested, including whether adequate notification was given to state authorities. The police said they were investigating the incident.
Kula further challenged Kwankwaso over his party’s performance in recent Kano by-elections, saying political developments in his home state should receive his attention.
“Kwankwaso should face Kano politics,” Kula said, adding that he should “offer ideas, not insults.”
The exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, particularly within opposition politics and between political figures across different states.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, has remained active in national political discussions, while Alia continues to face scrutiny over political developments in Benue. The latest disagreement adds another dimension to the wider political realignments ahead of 2027.
