— Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he has not endorsed any aspirant for the 2027 elections, warning politicians against using his name to gain political advantage.In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described such claims as misleading and unauthorised, accusing those involved of attempting to deceive the public for personal political gain.Alia said he had neither encouraged nor directed anyone to contest for any elective position, 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.The governor reaffirmed his neutrality in the political process, noting that he would not impose candidates on the people.“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. I am not making choices for anyone. If you want to contest elections, go out there and talk to your people, convince them to choose you. That is democracy,” he added.He cautioned aspirants to desist from invoking his name, warning that such actions could damage their credibility and undermine public trust.Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, due process, and internal democracy, maintaining that the people of Benue State would ultimately decide their leaders through transparent and lawful processes at the appropriate time.
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