MAKURDI — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against attempting to dictate or influence the political future of Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor’s reaction followed public statements and high-level meetings on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounding the emergence of a cross-party “Rainbow Coalition” involving key political figures in the region.
Responding through his political communications team, Governor Alia declared that Benue State will not succumb to external political control or replicate the political crisis currently playing out in Rivers State. He stated unequivocally: “Benue is not Rivers State, and I am not Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”
Addressing reports that external political brokers—including FCT Minister Wike—are coordinating strategic alliances to sway the 2027 governorship race in Benue, Governor Alia insisted that the mandate to choose leaders belongs exclusively to the electorate of the state, not to private political negotiations.
“If the reported coalition is merely a political alliance, its proponents should explain its objectives openly,” the statement read. “If it involves any arrangement intended to influence Benue’s governorship, the people deserve transparency. The decision on who leads Benue must not be predetermined by political negotiations, external influence, or the ambitions of powerful individuals.”
Defending his administration’s performance since taking office, Governor Alia pointed to key developmental strides across Benue State, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 970 kilometres of roads, extensive civil service reforms, and the prompt payment of inherited salary and pension arrears.
The governor called on political parties and external actors to respect internal democratic procedures and allow the people of Benue State to determine their political destiny without external godfatherism.
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