Benue 2027: I’ve not endorsed any aspirant – Gov Alia warns against name dropping

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared that he has not endorsed any aspirant for elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning politicians against using his name to solicit support.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described such claims as misleading, unauthorised, and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public for personal political advantage.

Governor Alia stated that he has neither directed nor encouraged anyone to contest for any political office, stressing that individuals linking their ambitions to him were acting independently.

“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,” he said.

Reaffirming his neutrality in the emerging political alignments, the governor insisted that he would not impose candidates on the electorate.

“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,” he said.

He urged aspirants to take their ambitions directly to the people, rather than relying on political name-dropping.

“If you want to contest elections, go out there and talk to your people, convince them to choose you. That is democracy,” Alia added.

The governor warned that invoking his name in political campaigns could damage the credibility of aspirants and erode public trust.

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