Benue Governor's Kinsmen Vow to Oppose His 2027 Re-election Bid Over Governance Failures

Kinsmen of Governor Hyacinth Alia from the Kunav Bloc in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State have declared their intention to oppose his re-election bid in 2027. The group, comprising six governorship aspirants from different political parties, made this announcement during a joint press conference in Makurdi over the weekend. They highlighted various issues plaguing the state, including persistent attacks on communities, irregular salary payments, decaying infrastructure, weak institutions, and inadequate leadership. The group criticized the state government's handling of finances, pointing out that Benue generated only 0.56% of its total revenue from the international market in 2024, falling short of its agricultural potential.

The kinsmen expressed concerns about worsening insecurity in the state, citing recent attacks in Mbaikyor Ward, Kwande Local Government Area, where at least 17 people, including a police officer, were reportedly killed. In response, Governor Alia's spokesman, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the press conference as politically motivated and defended the administration's efforts to improve public financial management, civil service efficiency, security coordination, and infrastructure development. Kula emphasized the government's initiatives in agriculture, education, community-based security, and revenue leakages reduction.