Benue State continues to grapple with relentless and unprovoked attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen, a dire situation that persists despite recent high-level interventions. Jimin Geoffrey, former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom, highlighted the ongoing brutality, noting that even President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on June 18, 2025, following a bloodbath in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, has not deterred the assailants. Specific incidents paint a grim picture: on Saturday, June 21, 2025, four individuals were murdered across Makurdi and Guma, including locations like Tse Ati, Uda Yagba, and Tse-Kator. Just days prior, on Sunday, June 19, 2025, four Mobile Police Personnel were brutally killed at Udei in Guma LGA. The violence escalated into July, with attacks on Kwaghgba village on July 2, leaving at least three dead, and another assault in Ukohol village, Guma LGA, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, claiming three more lives. The bloodbath extended to Tse-Anundu, Udei, on Friday, July 4, 2025, where Mr. Nomsoor Anundu was killed and two others sustained gunshot injuries. Despite President Tinubu’s directive to the Chief of Defense Staff and the Inspector General of Police to confront these criminals, and a call for intelligence retooling by the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) and State Security Service (SSS), the security situation in Guma and other parts of Benue remains unchanged. Jimin Geoffrey lamented that the President’s “Renewed Hope” promise has, for Benue, translated into “RECURRENT DEATHS,” as terrorists occupy deserted farmlands and homes, preying on those who attempt to farm, with security agents also falling victim to the violence.

Amidst these security challenges, the Nigerian political landscape is intensely focused on the upcoming 2027 general elections. A pro-Tinubu group, the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), has actively launched grassroots mobilization campaigns across the Southeast to rally support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid. Led by National Coordinator Belusochukwu Enwere, SERHA inaugurated its Enugu State chapter, featuring an empowerment program that benefited hundreds of individuals with financial support ranging from N20,000 to N200,000 to boost their businesses. Enwere articulated the initiative’s purpose as showcasing the progress and development under President Tinubu’s administration, citing achievements in the economy, education, health, infrastructure, housing, and power. The establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), now fully operational, was highlighted as a significant outcome for the region, promising growth and addressing pressing challenges. Similarly, youths in Ebonyi State have also declared their support for Tinubu’s re-election, with their state chapter of SERHA being inaugurated. State Coordinator James Alaka lauded the President for his inclusive leadership, commitment to equity, and the groundbreaking appointment of Sen. David Umahi as Minister of Works, a first in Nigeria’s history for the Southeast.

However, analysts express considerable doubt regarding the opposition’s capacity to unseat President Tinubu in 2027. Barrister Olalekan F. Ojo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, described the opposition’s current state as weak and fragmented, citing the internal schism within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has splintered into a 'new ADC' and the 'residual PDP'. This division, he argues, undermines coalition-building, voter confidence, and the clarity of alternative governance visions, making it difficult to challenge an incumbent president backed by state power and a consolidated All Progressives Congress (APC). Barrister Emeka Iheonu echoed this sentiment, asserting that President Tinubu would likely secure a second term unless an “act of God occurs,” regardless of any opposition coalition. Veteran activist Baba Aye offered a more critical perspective, stating that the APC, PDP, and ADC fundamentally represent the “same class of looters, exploiters, oppressors,” with individuals frequently switching party allegiances, thereby blurring ideological lines and making the opposition's internal struggles a mere 'intra-class' contest.

Further commentary on the 2027 elections delves into the pervasive culture of political opportunism and the early indications of internal maneuvering within the ruling party. It is widely assumed that President Tinubu will seek re-election, irrespective of public opinion on his performance, as elected officials rarely acknowledge failure. This political climate fosters sycophancy, where appointed officials, party members, and media personalities become “AGIPs” (Any Government In Power), ready to praise any administration for personal gain, as exemplified by the previous Buhari government's false claims of poverty alleviation. The current political landscape, with the PDP largely diminished, presents the APC as the dominant force, raising concerns about the potential for a one-party state, which could undermine Nigeria’s democracy despite celebrations of its democratic milestones like June 12, 1993. The urgency for prospective opposition leaders to step forward is stressed, given the daunting task of campaigning across 36 states, the FCT, 774 Local Governments, and thousands of wards.

Already, the political realignments for 2027 have claimed their first casualties within the APC. Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman on Friday, June 27, 2025, is widely seen not as a voluntary act but as a strategic push to accommodate Kwankwaso, considered a greater political asset, into the party. This move, driven by the intense rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, leaves Ganduje politically exposed. However, the first true casualty of this realpolitik is perceived to be Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose potential replacement on the ticket is reportedly being discussed by party members. This callousness highlights the ruthless nature of Nigerian politics, where ambitions can be abruptly curtailed. Historical precedents, such as Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Atiku Abubakar, and Professor Yemi Osinbajo failing to succeed their principals, except for the unique circumstance of President Yar’Adua’s death, suggest that Shettima’s path to the presidency may now be effectively closed. The unfolding political chess game underscores a period of significant uncertainty and strategic repositioning as Nigeria heads towards the 2027 elections.