2027 Polls: Stop Dropping My Name, Alia Warns Aspirants

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly warned political aspirants across the state who were reportedly using his name to canvass support during consultations ahead of the 2027 elections to stop.

The governor stated that he has not asked, encouraged, or mandated any individual to contest for any political office.

He described such actions as misleading, unauthorised, and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public for personal political gain.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement issued on Thursday emphasised that, “I had directed those in my government to resign before or on the 31st March 2026 and face their contest. Those who are ready have already complied. Those who failed should not blame anyone.”

The governor further maintained 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,” he stated.

He urged aspirants involved, “In this practice to desist forthwith,” cautioning that any aspirant who continued to drop his name in pursuit of political advantage, “is, in fact, jeopardizing their own chances, as such conduct undermines credibility and public trust.”

Alia reiterated his commitment to fairness, due process, and internal democracy, stressing that the people of Benue State will ultimately determine their leaders through lawful and transparent processes at the appropriate time.