Benue Governor Ask Political Appointees Seeking Elective Position To Resign Ahead of 2027

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has warned political appointees in his administration seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign or step aside on or before March 30, 2026, in a move aimed at preventing governance from being distracted by early political maneuvering.

The directive was reported on Friday, March 20, 2026, though Alia said he issued it last Wednesday during an Iftar with Muslim faithful at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.

According to the governor, the order is meant to ensure continuity in government by allowing vacancies to be filled early rather than leaving public offices occupied by officials already focused on campaign ambitions. He said the earlier such appointees submit their resignation letters, the easier it would be for him to appoint replacements and keep projects moving without interruption.

The political meaning of the directive is deeper than routine administrative discipline. It signals that Alia wants to assert control over his cabinet and avoid turning state offices into launchpads for premature 2027 campaigns. At a time when political calculations are already heating up across Nigeria, the Benue governor appears determined to draw a hard line between governance and ambition.