Governor Alia Orders Benue Appointees With 2027 Ambitions to Resign by March 30 to Avoid Distractions

Governor Hyacinth Alia has “drawn a line in the sand” for members of his administration who are already looking toward the 2027 elections. Speaking on Wednesday evening during an Iftar gathering in Makurdi, the Governor announced that any political appointee seeking elective office must step down by March 30, 2026.

According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor is determined to protect the “pace of development” currently happening in the state. From fixing dilapidated roads to ensuring civil servants are paid on time, Alia insisted that these projects require 100% attention from his team. “I cannot tender apologies to anyone because I am developing Benue State,” the Governor said, making it clear that governance comes before politics.

The directive mirrors a national trend, following President Tinubu’s recent order for federal ministers and aides to resign by the end of the month. By setting the deadline for March 30 one day earlier than the federal deadline Governor Alia is signaling that he wants a “clean break” for his cabinet to ensure that the “Renewed Hope” and “Solution” agendas in Benue are not stalled by early campaigning.

As the deadline approaches, many are watching to see which commissioners and special advisers will choose their current roles over their 2027 political dreams. For the Governor, the goal remains simple: keeping the “earthmoving machines” working on Benue roads until the very last day of his mandate.