2027: Push for Idoma governorship faces setback as Benue South leaders endorse Alia

The push for an Idoma governorship agenda ahead of the 2027 elections appears to be facing a major setback as influential political leaders from Benue South continue to rally behind Governor Hyacinth Alia for a second term.

IDOMA VOICE reports that in the latest development, elder statesman and former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Mike Okibe Onoja, the Akanaba K’Idoma, has declared his unreserved support for Governor Hycainth Alia’s re-election bid, describing the governor as the ideal candidate to continue leading Benue State.

Onoja’s endorsement, conveyed in a personally signed letter dated January 30, 2026, is seen as a significant blow to the growing agitation for an Idoma candidate to emerge as governor in 2027. As a respected elder statesman and traditional figure in Idomaland, Onoja’s position carries considerable political weight.

“I maintain my unreserved support for your re-election in 2027,” Onoja stated, noting that Governor Alia’s leadership has brought “significant transformations” in infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture.

He further praised the regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ emoluments, saying such policies have improved the quality of life of citizens and endeared the governor to the people of the state.

According to Onoja, Alia’s inclusive, transparent and accountable leadership style has fostered unity across Benue, while major projects such as key inter-local government roads, the Makurdi underpass and the completion of the Otobi water works have addressed long-standing developmental challenges.

“Your visionary and transformative leadership are crucial for the growth and prosperity of Benue State,” Onoja said, adding that the governor’s background as a priest, combined with his experience and passion for public service, makes him best suited to continue in office.

Onoja’s endorsement comes barely hours earlier after former Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, alongside stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okpokwu Local Government Area, formally endorsed Governor Alia for a second term.

The endorsement was sealed at a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Okpokwu, where the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Adah Mathew Inalegwu, urged party members from Edumoga and Okpokwu to close ranks and unite behind the APC leadership ahead of 2027.

Addressing party leaders and members, Inalegwu emphasised unity and loyalty as critical factors for electoral success, warning that internal divisions could undermine the party’s chances.

“The success of the APC in 2027 will largely depend on our ability to work together as one family, put aside personal interests, and mobilise massive support for the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia,” he said.

In a show of solidarity, Senator Ebute moved a motion calling for the endorsement and continued support of Governor Alia for a second term. The motion was unanimously adopted by APC leaders and stakeholders from Edumoga and Okpokwu.

Party members described the endorsement as a strong vote of confidence in the governor’s leadership and performance, pledging their commitment to consolidating the gains of his administration and ensuring continuity beyond 2027.

The statement announcing the endorsement was signed by Itodo Itodo, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area.

Adding another dimension to the growing internal realignment, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, has openly declared that he will not support any Idoma aspirant for the governorship in 2027.

Angbo, who represents Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency on the platform of the APC, said the agitation for an Idoma governor should be deferred until 2031, insisting that the present political arrangement must be respected.

Addressing journalists at his Makurdi residence, the lawmaker said his position was informed by the need for continuity in governance, arguing that Governor Alia should be allowed to complete a second term to consolidate his administration’s policies and programmes.
“The reason is simple: we must allow the incumbent to complete a second tenure. While it may not be written in law that a sitting governor must serve eight years, it is a tested political tradition that fosters stability,” Angbo explained.

Reaffirming his stance, he ruled out any compromise ahead of the 2027 election, stressing his unwavering loyalty to the incumbent governor.
“I, Angbo Kennedy, representing Otukpo/Akpa, would not endorse any individual besides the current governor for 2027. That is my emphatic position. I will not negotiate with any other person or interest,” he stated.

As Benue State approaches its 50th anniversary on Tuesday, the longstanding aspiration for an Idoma to occupy the governorship remains unfulfilled. The 2027 elections were expected to be a historic opportunity for the community, yet recent political developments suggest that the dream may face serious setbacks.
In a surprising turn, influential political leaders from Benue South have thrown their weight behind Governor Hyacinth Alia for a second term, signaling a preference for continuity over ethnic representation.

The flood of endorsements comes amid a crowded race for the state’s top seat, with several Idoma aspirants declaring their intentions, including Andrew Aba (ADC), Arc Tony Obekpa (APC), Madaki Ameh (PDP), and Oyije Ocheakiti (PDP), among others.

A member of the ADC, speaking on the political dynamics in the region, dismissed the influence of prominent figures like Mike Okibe Onoja and Ameh Ebute, stating: “Both Onoja and Ebute have no political relevance in Benue South.”

The source further recalled that Onoja contested for the Senate in 2019 but lost to Abba Moro, even in his Ado LGA.

While proponents of the Idoma agenda continue to argue for power rotation and inclusion, the latest developments suggest that influential stakeholders are prioritising continuity and perceived performance over zoning considerations.