2027: I’ve not endorsed any aspirant – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

By Peter Duru

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared that he has not endorsed any candidate for elective position in 2027 and cautioned aspirants against using his name to canvass support.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor described the practice as misleading, unauthorised, and a calculated attempt to deceive the public for personal political gain.

Alia stated unequivocally that he has neither asked nor encouraged anyone to contest for any political position, stressing that those linking their ambitions to him were acting on their own.

“I had directed those in my government to resign before or on March 31, 2026, and face their contest. Those who are ready have already complied. Those who failed should not blame anyone,” the Governor said.

He further emphasised his neutrality in the political process, insisting that he would not impose candidates on the people. “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,” he added.

The Governor warned aspirants to desist from invoking his name, noting that “such actions could harm their credibility and erode public trust.”

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, due process, and internal democracy, maintaining that the people of Benue State would ultimately determine their leaders through lawful and transparent processes at the appropriate time.