By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has directed all political appointees interested in contesting elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before December 18, 2025.The directive, issued on Wednesday, requires affected appointees to submit their resignation letters to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, for onward transmission to the governor for consideration and processing. According to a statement released by the Deputy Governor on behalf of Governor Alia, the decision follows a noticeable increase in political activities and expressions of interest by public office holders seeking elective positions within the state.
The statement noted that the measure is intended to ensure administrative order, fairness, and effective governance as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.“ In light of the recent increase in political activities within the state, and having observed with keen interest the diverse aspirations for leadership roles aimed at promoting good governance, we wish to state the following,” the statement read.“ All political appointees interested in contesting for elective positions are kindly requested to indicate their interest and submit a formal resignation letter accordingly,” it added.The Deputy Governor further directed that appointees seeking elective offices must formally express interest in the positions they intend to contest and forward such letters through his office.“ All letters or expressions of interest for the office of your choice should be forwarded to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Benue State not later than Thursday, December 18, 2025,” the statement said.
It explained that the process would allow for proper documentation and enable the letters to be transmitted to Governor Alia for further consideration and necessary administrative action.The directive applies to all categories of political appointees serving in the Alia administration, though the statement did not specify the number of officials likely to be affected. Political observers note that such directives are often aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring that governance is not disrupted by early political campaigns ahead of general elections. By requiring appointees with political ambitions to step aside, the Benue State Government is expected to maintain focus on policy implementation and service delivery while creating a level playing field for aspirants.Governor Alia, who assumed office in 2023, has repeatedly emphasized accountability, discipline, and adherence to due process in public service. As political activities gradually build up toward the 2027 elections, the directive signals the administration’s intention to separate governance from partisan politics. No official reaction had been received from affected appointees as of press time, while it remains unclear how many officials have already indicated interest in elective positions.
