SAN Sebastine Hon Declares Bid for 2027 Benue Governorship, Vows to Unseat Governor Alia

Prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law, Sebastine Hon, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 Benue State governorship election, openly declaring his intention to challenge and unseat incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The renowned legal luminary made his ambition known during consultation visits to his maternal kindred in the Mbayion clan and Mbatiav communities in Gboko Local Government Area on December 22, 2025. Describing his decision as divinely inspired, Hon expressed strong confidence in securing victory, marking an early and bold entry into what promises to be a keenly contested race.

Addressing the longstanding issue of zoning in Benue politics, Hon argued that the power rotation arrangement has been applied inconsistently over the years, leading to historical imbalances. He pointed out that Zone A has collectively held power for approximately 18 years across various administrations, while Zone B has accounted for 16 years, and contended that recent appointments under Governor Alia have further eroded the zoning principle.

Community leaders at the consultations, including former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Aondona Dajo and other stakeholders, endorsed an open contest, noting that all senatorial zones have produced governors in the past and that qualified aspirants from any area should be allowed to vie for the position in 2027.

A notable moment was Hon’s courtesy visit to the Mbatiav Traditional Council in Akapher, where he paid homage to the traditional rulers and sought their blessings for his political journey.

As one of the earliest declarations for the 2027 poll, Hon’s entry injects fresh dynamics into Benue’s political landscape, setting the stage for robust debates on leadership, equity, and development in the food basket state.