April 02, (THEWILL) — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has sent a strong warning to political aspirants across the state who are reportedly using his name to canvass support during consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Governor states unequivocally that he has not asked, encouraged, or mandated any individual to contest for any political office, describing such actions as misleading, unauthorised, and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public for personal political gain.
In a statement in Makurdi on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, said the governor emphasises that he had directed those in his government to resign before or on March 31, 2026, and face their contest.
According to the statement, those who are ready have already complied, while those who failed should not blame anyone, stating that he has not anointed or endorsed any candidate for any position whatsoever.
“As a product of the People’s choice myself, I am not the one to decide anyone’s electoral fate. The people are there to decide and make their choices. I am not making choices for anyone. If you want to contest elections, go out there and talk to your people, convince them to choose you. That is democracy”, Alia stated.
He urges all aspirants involved in this practice to desist forthwith, cautioning that any aspirant who continues to drop his name in pursuit of political advantage is rather jeopardising their own chances, as such conduct undermines credibility and public trust.
The governor reiterates his commitment to fairness, due process, and internal democracy, stressing that Benue people will determine their leaders through lawful and transparent processes at the appropriate time.
