By 2027: The masses, not the elites, will decide Alia’s fate

There came a time when political elites in Benue State rallied behind Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, believed that the priest-turned-politician was the young man who could lead the state out of years of stagnation and reconnect it to a new era of development and opportunity.

At a time when many Benue leaders were desperate for an alternative that could save the state from its challenges, an altar man was presented as someone who could provide both spiritual and political leadership. Rather than continue what many saw as years of underdevelopment and hardship, the political class looked toward a new type of leader.

That period can be compared, in the writer’s interpretation, to the biblical story of the Israelites who sought a different form of leadership. The elders of Benue, in the same spirit, supported the appointment of Fr. Alia after Senator George Akume presented him as a candidate capable of giving a new direction to the state.

Alia’s reputation as a Catholic priest and his widely known healing ministry had already made him known to people across the state. His supporters saw his background as evidence that he possessed compassion and a strong sense of service.

The biblical reference to David in 2 Samuel 5:6 is also used by Aliah’s supporters as a metaphor for her political rise. They argue that, just as David was recognized by his people despite not following a conventional path to leadership, Alia’s years of service in the church prepared him for the political office that eventually came his way.

For those who believe in the divine calling, leadership can emerge through different signs and circumstances: through people, religious conviction, personal revelation, or other accepted means. Alia was already at the height of his priestly ministry when political leaders began seeking his involvement in public leadership, despite his lack of conventional political experience.

History and Scripture contain examples of individuals who achieved positions of influence through their character, conviction, and perceived calling rather than formal political training. Supporters therefore argue that Alia’s emergence was not accidental.

He eventually became governor of Benue State after gaining the support of voters. His years as a priest had already given him considerable public visibility, and his supporters believe that his reputation as a healer and advocate for equal treatment contributed significantly to his political acceptance.

The slogans “Yes Father” and “No Alia, No Benue” subsequently became expressions of support among sections of the electorate who believed the governor represented a break from the past.

But now a question arises: What has changed for some of the political elites who once supported Alia and now seem against him?

This question is increasingly becoming part of the political debate in Benue ahead of 2027.

The debate also extended to the financial capacity of the state.

Benue is not an oil producing state and the government has to finance salaries, tips, infrastructure and other obligations with limited resources. The administration also highlighted efforts involving industry, agriculture, roads and other economic development sectors.

Projects and initiatives involving fruit juice production, bakeries and Taraku mills, among others, have featured prominently in discussions on the state’s economic revival. Questions have also been raised over other major projects, including the future of Benue Cement and road construction across the state.

Supporters of Governor Alia argue that the administration should be judged by taking into account the realities of state finances and competing demands for government resources.

They point to regular payment of salaries, payment of outstanding debts and investments in infrastructure as evidence that the administration has prioritized issues that directly affect ordinary citizens.

In this context, Alia’s supporters question whether the political expectations of members of the elite should determine the direction of the government. They also argue that the political environment surrounding the governor should be seen in the broader national political landscape, particularly as the All Progressives Congress continues to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Alia’s supporters, political alliances and elite negotiations cannot ultimately replace the power of voters at polling stations. They argue that the governor’s administration is being documented and that his supporters believe his accomplishments in less than four years deserve recognition.

They also claim that the administration has ushered in what they describe as a “New Renaissance” in Benue.

One aspect often mentioned by the governor’s supporters is the participation of young people in government. They argue that young people have gained more opportunities to participate in public discourse and express concerns about issues affecting their future.

For them, this represents a departure from a political culture in which many young people were reluctant to openly defend their votes, rights and opinions. As the 2027 elections approach, however, any politician seeking another mandate will have to return to the electorate for a new mandate. Alia is no exception.

His supporters say his call for a second term is no different from calls to be made by other politicians, including President Tinubu, who will also seek another term.

The crucial question, then, is whether the electorate will support the governor for another term. Alia’s supporters insist that the answer will ultimately come from the people rather than politicians. They argue that while political elites can negotiate alliances, issue endorsements, and build coalitions, voters retain final authority at the ballot box.

They also rejected suggestions that Alia should be limited to one term, insisting that the people of Benue should be allowed to determine his political future. According to this position, if President Tinubu seeks another term and expects the support of Benue voters, Governor Alia should also have the opportunity to seek a second term from the people of the state.

The governor’s supporters insist that he does not need to ask for their support because, they believe, his record will speak for him.

They point to salary payments, infrastructure projects and other government programs as reasons why they believe the electorate will reward the administration at the ballot box. For them, the political slogans and maneuvers of the opponents cannot replace the judgment that will be expressed at the polling stations. They argue that an alliance of political forces against an individual does not necessarily determine the outcome of an election. Ultimately the voters will decide. The topic then shifted from political elites to the broader electorate.

Supporters of Governor Alia insist that popular sentiment behind “Yes Father” remains strong and that attempts to remove him through elite negotiations will have to clash with the views of ordinary voters.

They also rejected comparisons with political situations elsewhere, arguing that the circumstances surrounding Alia’s administration are different. Among the issues dominating political debate in Benue is the perceived absence of a clearly defined alternative capable of garnering the same level of support, according to Alia’s supporters.

They argue that some emerging political campaigns focus more on personalities and political alliances than on detailed development programs for the state. The governor’s supporters also believe the state’s politics should move away from what they describe as the politics of hate and personality-driven campaigns and instead focus on development.

They called on former governor Samuel Ortom and other political leaders to present clear alternatives and development programs rather than focus solely on opposing Alia. As 2027 approaches, the battle for Benue will move from political meetings, endorsements and public statements to electoral drives.

Political elites can negotiate alliances. Aspirants can build coalitions. Parties can support candidates. But on election day the electorate will have the final say.

For Governor Alia and her supporters, that final judgment is what they are already preparing for – and they believe the message from their camp remains: “Yes

Father.”

Happy Mom,

Abuja