Benue Governor Alia Rejects Automatic APC Tickets for 2027

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue, expressed on Thursday that the unique political circumstances in Benue will not permit the acceptance of automatic tickets for incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) office holders seeking re-election. Alia's chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, made this statement while addressing journalists in Makurdi.

Kula cautioned that if President Bola Tinubu were to issue a directive for automatic tickets, he might be misinformed about the political traditions and expectations of voters in Benue. Kula characterized the policy as potentially self-defeating, suggesting it could lead to public resentment, internal divisions, and weaken the APC's chances in upcoming elections.

He referenced the Tiv principle of rotational leadership, known as “ya na angbian,” which influences political representation in the state. Kula warned that disregarding zoning arrangements could provoke protests from voters, and he alleged that some political actors might be pushing for automatic tickets to undermine the APC in Benue or limit Governor Alia's influence.