2027: SAN declares bid to unseat Gov Alia

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law professor, Sebastine Hon, has officially declared his interest in contesting the 2027 Benue State governorship election, announcing plans to challenge the current governor, Hyacinth Alia.

Hon revealed his ambition on Monday during consultation visits to relatives and community leaders in the Mbayion and Mbatiav areas of Gboko Local Government Area.

He explained that the visits were informal and compliant with electoral guidelines, since the Independent National Electoral Commission has not yet opened the campaign season.

Speaking at Ihungwanor and Akapher communities, Hon described his decision to run as divinely guided and expressed optimism about his chances.

On zoning, he argued that the arrangement has not been applied consistently, pointing out what he described as historical imbalances.

He noted that Zone A has produced governors for roughly 18 years combined, while Zone B has led for 16 years.

Hon also claimed that recent political appointments under Governor Alia have further weakened the zoning principle, citing decisions affecting local government leadership and top political offices.

Community leaders who spoke during the visits — including former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajo, and other stakeholders — said that since all zones have produced governors, the 2027 race should be open to all qualified aspirants.

The visit also featured a stop at the Mbatiav Traditional Council, where Hon paid homage to traditional rulers and requested their blessings.