Politics
Alia Defends Zoning, Says Benue Voters Prefer Rotational Leadership
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has explained why he questioned an alleged presidential directive granting automatic tickets to elected All Progressives Congress (APC) office holders seeking re-election in the state.
Governor Alia, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, while responding to questions from journalists in Makurdi, said it was clear that the policy would conflict with Benue’s established practice of rotating political offices.
He stated that if President Bola Tinubu truly issued the directive, it could mean that he had received incomplete or inaccurate information about Benue’s political practices and voter expectations. However, the claim was not independently verified.
He described the alleged directive as “self-defeating,” arguing that disregarding zoning arrangements could generate opposition to the APC.
According to Kula, the Tiv principle of rotational leadership, known as “ya na angbian,” meaning “eat and pass to your brother,” has influenced political representation in Benue State.
He attributed its introduction into national political discourse partly to the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka,
explaining that Benue voters have often opposed extended control of elective offices by individual politicians.
He cited former Senate President David Mark and former Benue State Governor, Sen. George Akume, as examples of politicians who secured repeated mandates, while describing such cases as relatively uncommon in the state’s political history.
He said, “Our people detest sitting tight in leadership. They prefer to rotate,” adding that attempts to disregard this preference could lead to protests or protest votes.
He explained that political parties in Benue have generally considered zoning and rotational arrangements when selecting candidates, linking the practice to voter expectations.
Kula said automatic tickets for all incumbent APC office holders, regardless of their previous tenure or existing zoning agreements, could create internal divisions and weaken the party in the state.
He also questioned the motives of those who might have advocated the arrangement, alleging that some political actors could be seeking to weaken the APC in Benue and later blame Governor Alia.
He added that others might be trying to preserve their influence by preventing a sitting governor from becoming a dominant figure within the party.
“Whoever gave that advice knew he was planting landmines for Governor Alia and the APC in Benue State. That was pitching the Governor against the people,” he said.