By Emmanuel Antswen
Makurdi, Feb. 10, 2026 A cross-section of 2023 governorship aspirants from Kunav extraction have commenced mobilisation of support for the re-election of Gov Hyacinth Alia.
The aspirants, which were Dr Cletus Akwaya, Dr Boniface Jirbo and Dr Zua Tule, who briefed newsmen on Tuesday in Makurdi, described Alia as a team player.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group’s briefing was in reaction to an earlier press conference by another group known as the Joint Kunav Governorship Aspirants that made several allegations against Alia and called for replacement in 2027.
Akwaya, who read the text of the briefing, told the Joint Kunav Governorship Aspirants to have a rethink and support the governor’s return.
He said that they were prepared to support their brother, Gov. Alia, to succeed and deliver on his campaign promises.
They said the Kunav people must remain united by all means to be able to complete their two terms.
“We are convinced, and the evidence abounds, that Alia is performing excellently well and deserves to be encouraged to do even more for the masses of Benue.
“This is our point of departure with the Joint Kunav Governorship Aspirants, whose sole ambition is to succeed Alia.
“As democrats, we acknowledge the constitutional rights of our brothers from Kunav land to contest election to any position of their choice.
“However, it is our considered opinion that their ambition is ill-timed as it runs against the wave of popular opinion of most Kunav and indeed Benue people.
“Alia is doing well and has been variously endorsed to continue for a second term in office on account of his good works and demonstrated capacity to lead the people with empathy, courage and a sense of justice,” he said.
He stated that Alia has shown over time that he is a team player and is willing to carry along all his Kunav brothers and sisters, who contested the position with him.
Akwaya added that Alia has manifestly represented their intentions and plans to develop the state, hence their support.
“For us, we have categorically declared our unalloyed support and loyalty to Fr Hyacinth Alia.
“We are doing so because we are convinced by the good works of his administration and the grand plans and intentions he has to transform the development landscape of Benue,” he said (NAN) www.nannews.ng
AEB/PAT
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Edited by Peter Amine
