2027: SDP clears Prof. Hon to unseat Alia in Benue guber race

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has screened and cleared Sebastine Hon, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to contest the 2027 Benue State governorship election in a move aimed at unseating Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The screening exercise, which took place in Abuja on Tuesday, saw party officials symbolically asking the constitutional lawyer to “take a bow” in recognition of his credentials, competence and longstanding contributions to humanity.

The development comes weeks after Hon defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the SDP following disagreements over the PDP governorship primaries that produced Mike Andoakaa. Hon and his supporters had alleged injustice and unfair treatment during the process.

Political observers said the decision by the SDP to clear Hon signals the party’s readiness to present a strong alternative platform to challenge and possibly unseat Alia in the 2027 governorship election amid growing concerns over internal crises and alleged irregularities in major political parties in the state.

Critics of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Benue have continued to accuse the party of impunity and undemocratic practices during its ongoing primaries, while the PDP has also faced allegations of favouring entrenched interests and political loyalists over merit and popular participation.

Speaking after the exercise, Ngutor Anyam, Hon’s Campaign Director-General, described the governorship aspirant as a disciplined and credible leader whose experience in law, governance and public advocacy would strengthen the SDP’s chances of wresting power from the APC in Benue State.

“Our party believes in transparency, fairness and internal democracy. Prof. Sebastine Hon has distinguished himself over the years as a man of integrity and capacity who can provide purposeful leadership for Benue people,” Anyam said.

Hon has remained vocal on issues affecting Benue State, particularly insecurity and attacks on rural communities. Through public interventions, legal advocacy and petitions, including a recent appeal to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has repeatedly called for urgent action to protect lives and restore peace across the state.

“Benue deserves justice, inclusiveness and leadership driven by compassion and vision. I remain committed to the struggle for a peaceful and prosperous state where every citizen will have a sense of belonging,” Hon was quoted as saying after the screening.

He was accompanied to the exercise by Ngutor Anyam, his campaign Director-General, alongside Rodney Agbatar, Benjamin Agber, Silas Anjie, Aume Andoor, Michaelson Hon and other political stakeholders, many of whom previously served under former Governor Samuel Ortom.