Benue Governor Alia Challenges Tinubu's Ticket Directive

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed concerns regarding an alleged directive from President Bola Tinubu that grants automatic re-election tickets to elected All Progressives Congress (APC) office holders. Alia's Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, stated that such a policy would conflict with Benue's established practice of rotating political offices.

Kula suggested that if the directive was indeed issued, it might indicate that President Tinubu received incomplete or inaccurate information about the state's political customs and voter expectations. He described the directive as “self-defeating,” warning that ignoring zoning arrangements could provoke opposition to the APC.

The Tiv principle of rotational leadership, known as “ya na angbian,” has historically influenced political representation in Benue. Kula noted that voters in the state generally oppose prolonged control of elective offices by individuals, citing examples of former Senate President David Mark and former Governor George Akume.

He cautioned that disregarding this preference could lead to protests or protest votes, potentially weakening the APC in Benue.