Pensioners, Okada Riders Fund Gov Alia’s 2027 Ambition with Nomination Form Purchase

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Benue State chapter, and the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA) have purchased and presented Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to Governor Hyacinth Alia to support his re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

The groups presented the ₦50 million forms to the governor at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, on Saturday.
Speaking, the NUP State Chairman, Comrade Michael Vembe, said the decision to buy the forms alongside BEMOA was in appreciation of Governor Alia’s welfare efforts, particularly the payment of pensions and gratuities to retired civil servants in the state.
Vembe also commended the setting up of a committee to address and settle pension arrears, and appealed for pensioners to be included in free and compulsory healthcare services.
He stated: “We had enough money to pay for the forms for the governor, but BEMOA decided to join us and we went to Abuja to buy the forms.”
Also speaking, BEMOA State President, Terfa Aha, said the group joined NUP in purchasing the forms due to the governor’s achievements across sectors, adding that they would mobilize support for his re-election in 2027.
Deputy Governor Sam Ode, while appreciating the gesture, described it as “noble” and “novel,” noting that no governor in the country had received such support.
He added that members of the State Executive Council also sought approval to purchase forms for the governor and raised ₦34 million for that purpose.
“We will continue to support you. Those for you are more than those against you,” Ode said.
In his response, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed appreciation to the groups, describing the gesture as humbling and a reminder of the challenges in the state.
He said Benue State has long-standing issues that require urgent attention and a new approach to governance.
According to him, “There should be new thinking and doing things differently. There were conduit pipes deeply rooted in the system. Benue is bigger than me; we are talking about generations yet unborn.”
He added that development must be prioritized over personal satisfaction, noting that governance requires sacrifice and difficult decisions.
The governor further explained that during his first nine months in office, he used an old vehicle that later broke down, stressing that his administration prioritized civil servants and pensioners.
He also noted that despite criticism and misinformation, he remained focused and resilient.
Alia recounted challenges faced by pensioners and said some even supported him financially at certain points.
He highlighted improvements in security, stating that insecurity-prone local government areas had reduced from 17 to 6, while pledging continued efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
He also expressed sympathy for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and reaffirmed his commitment to welfare and grassroots development, assuring that supporters’ efforts would not be in vain.