Maureen Okpe
As the 2027 Benue State gubernatorial election draws closer, mounting evidence suggests that Governor Hyacinth Alia is poised for a resounding re-election victory.
Political analysts, community stakeholders, and citizens alike say the Governor’s remarkable achievements in youth empowerment, infrastructure development, agricultural revitalization, and inclusive governance place him far ahead of any potential contender.
From his early days in office, Governor Alia made it clear that his administration would break from the past and pursue a development-driven, people-first agenda.
One of his standout projects,the Benue Tech Skills Initiative, has empowered over 10,000 youths with digital and entrepreneurial skills. Beneficiaries have transitioned into certified professionals, entrepreneurs, and even mentors.
“We’ve seen young people evolve from job seekers to job creators. That’s the kind of leadership we need,” said Tordue Ieren, a digital entrepreneur in Makurdi. “Governor Alia is not just promising change; he’s delivering it.”
Alia’s government has modernized basic education by replacing traditional chalkboards with interactive digital whiteboards and constructing contemporary classrooms across the state. In the tertiary sector, the administration has cleared longstanding arrears, implemented the federal minimum wage for staff, and invested in training and infrastructure.
Benue State is also undergoing an infrastructure revolution. Underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko are nearing completion, while rural road projects have kicked off in 12 out of 23 LGAs. In Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko, ongoing urban road constructions are improving access and boosting commerce.
The Benue State House of Assembly Complex and State Secretariat, neglected for over four decades, are being reconstructed and rehabilitated under Alia’s watch.
“This is the first time since I retired that I’ve seen this level of seriousness,” said Theresa Wuam, a pensioner from Gboko. “I now receive my pension regularly, including arrears. Governor Alia is working for everyone, not just a few.”
In line with Benue’s reputation as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” the Alia administration has reenergized agriculture by procuring tractors, establishing partnerships for tractor assembly, and subsidizing fertilizers, insecticides, and improved seedlings.
His BIPC Bread and Water initiative has not only reduced the cost of living but created hundreds of jobs across the state. New industrial efforts by BIPC, such as local nail and nylon production, are reducing import dependency and boosting local manufacturing.
Governor Alia’s inclusive leadership style continues to attract praise. By appointing individuals based on merit rather than political affiliation, he has unified diverse groups—cutting across class, religion, ethnicity, and party lines.
“For the first time in years, governance feels inclusive,” said community leader Mrs. Dorcas Nyam, from Otukpo. “People who never had a voice before are now involved in shaping the future of Benue.”
Given these achievements, many believe that any challenge to Governor Alia’s second-term bid would be futile.
“The facts speak for themselves. Projects are visible, lives are being changed, and the people are with him,” said Emmanuel Idoko, a political analyst in Makurdi. “Unless a miracle happens, Alia’s re-election in 2027 is not just likely, it’s inevitable.”
As campaign season approaches, eyes will remain fixed on Benue State. But with such a powerful performance record, Governor Alia may already have secured his unstoppable mandate.