The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Professor Sebastine Hon, has acknowledged the challenges ahead of the 2027 election but expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the polls.
Key Highlights
- SDP governorship candidate Sebastine Hon expressed confidence in victory in 2027.
- Hon rejected the argument that zoning should determine the next governor of Benue State.
- He urged youths to support his candidacy and development agenda.
- The legal scholar said his campaign would focus on providing social amenities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
- Hon criticised the reported plan to establish ranches without first addressing the concerns of victims of past violence.
Speaking with The Trumpet on Thursday at his country home in Gboko, Benue State, Hon said he remained optimistic about his chances despite the challenges confronting his campaign.
He declared that he was confident of victory irrespective of the circumstances, saying his determination remained strong ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Hon, a legal practitioner and academic who holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was asked whether his candidacy was favoured by the zoning arrangement often considered in Benue’s political calculations.
Responding, he said zoning was not provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and therefore should not be used as a basis for determining who becomes governor.
“I am not part of that proponents. Those doing it are doing so at their peril. I am absolutely against the process,” he said.
The SDP candidate said although his campaign was facing some challenges, he remained confident that they would be overcome.
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He said he was working round the clock to develop a programme that would provide social amenities across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Hon particularly appealed to youths in Benue to rally behind his candidacy, promising purposeful leadership and improved development if elected.
Hon Faults Reported Ranching Plan
On the reported establishment of ranches in Benue State, the SDP candidate criticised the approach, arguing that the Federal Government should first address the grievances of victims of past violence involving herders and communities.
He argued that compensation and justice for affected communities should receive priority before any ranching programme is implemented.
Hon said the government should consider the plight of communities that suffered deaths and destruction during previous conflicts before proceeding with such initiatives.
He maintained that addressing the concerns of affected communities would be important for justice, reconciliation and lasting peace in the state.
