Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed to voters in Benue State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the Federal Government’s security measures, including the establishment of a Nigerian Army division in Makurdi.
The appeal comes as political groups intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, with security remaining a major concern for residents of Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Tompolo, a Niger Delta leader and grand patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, has been involved in efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition across several states.
Tompolo Cites Army Expansion in Benue
One of the measures cited in support of the Tinubu administration is its plan to expand the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to 12.
In July 2026, the Federal Government announced plans for new Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.
The Makurdi formation is expected to strengthen military command and operations in Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa and Kogi.
The Benue State Government welcomed the decision, saying the additional military presence could improve responses to security threats and help protect lives, property and farming communities.
For supporters of the administration, the expansion represents an important step towards addressing insecurity in the North-Central region.
Security Remains a Major Concern
Benue has experienced recurring attacks, communal violence and displacement, with some communities facing disruptions to farming and other economic activities.
Security agencies have continued operations in the state, including efforts to rescue abducted people, recover weapons and prevent further attacks.
In September, the North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda credited military operations and improved coordination among security agencies with reported gains in parts of Benue. The group also pointed to the return of some displaced residents to their communities.
However, security challenges persist, and the impact of the measures will ultimately depend on whether residents can live safely, return to their farms and resume their livelihoods.
The Army expansion is therefore likely to remain part of the political debate as parties and support groups present their records and plans to voters ahead of the election.
Tinubu’s Supporters Step Up 2027 Mobilisation
Tompolo’s campaign activities form part of a wider effort by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to build grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The movement has organised mobilisation activities in states including Oyo, Taraba, Ondo and Gombe, with campaign coordinators tasked with reaching voters in communities, wards and local government areas.
During recent activities in Ondo and Gombe, the movement also deployed vehicles to support its outreach efforts.
The campaign has focused on promoting the administration’s policies and urging voters to give the President another term to continue implementing them.
Tinubu’s supporters argue that continuity would allow ongoing reforms and security initiatives to deliver further results. Opposition parties, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to present alternative proposals and challenge the administration’s record.
Benue Voters Face Key Questions Ahead of 2027
Security, economic conditions and the protection of farming communities are likely to remain important issues for voters in Benue State.
The creation of an Army division in Makurdi marks a significant change to the military’s operational structure, but residents will also be watching for sustained reductions in attacks, safer access to farmland and the return of displaced families.
As mobilisation for the 2027 election gathers momentum, Tinubu’s supporters are expected to continue highlighting the administration’s security initiatives as part of their case for re-election.
The central question for many voters will be whether government policies translate into lasting improvements in safety, livelihoods and development across the state.