Governor of Benue State: Leadership, Vision, and Historical Legacy
The office of the Governor of Benue State is the executive head of the "Food Basket of the Nation." In 2026, the administration is characterized by a shift toward rural transformation and economic self-sufficiency. This guide provides an in-depth look at the current leadership of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and a complete chronological record of those who have led the state since its creation in 1976.
Who is the Current Governor of Benue State?
As of January 2026, the Executive Governor of Benue State is Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Sworn in on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia is a Roman Catholic priest and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Profile & Biography
Born: May 15, 1966, in Vandeikya LGA, Benue State.
Education: Doctorate in Biomedical Ethics from Duquesne University, Pennsylvania.
Unique Fact: He is the second Catholic priest to serve as the Executive Governor of Benue State (following the late Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu).
The 2026 "People-Focused" Agenda
In early 2026, Governor Alia signed the ₦695 billion Appropriation Bill, titled the "Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support, and Sustained Growth." Administration Milestones (2026 Update):
Rural Neglect: A bold declaration to end decades of rural underdevelopment through feeder roads and electrification.
Agriculture: Climate-smart infrastructure to connect Benue’s farmers directly to national markets.
Infrastructure: Massive urban renewal in Makurdi, the state capital, aimed at improving housing and drainage systems.
Full List of Benue State Governors (1976 – 2026)
To understand the political evolution of the state, it is essential to look at the list of past governors of Benue State, including both military administrators and democratically elected leaders.
| S/N | Governor of Benue State | Tenure Started | Tenure Ended | Status/Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdullahi Shelleng | March 1976 | July 1978 | Military |
| 2 | Adebayo Lawal | July 1978 | Oct 1979 | Military |
| 3 | Aper Aku | Oct 1979 | Dec 1983 | NPN (First Elected) |
| 4 | John Kpera | Jan 1984 | Aug 1985 | Military |
| 5 | Jonah David Jang | Aug 1985 | Aug 1986 | Military |
| 6 | Yohanna Madaki | Aug 1986 | Sept 1986 | Military |
| 7 | Fidelis Makka | Dec 1987 | Jan 1992 | Military |
| 8 | Moses Adasu | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | SDP (Catholic Priest) |
| 9 | Aminu Isa Kontagora | Aug 1996 | Aug 1998 | Military |
| 10 | George Akume | May 29, 1999 | May 29, 2007 | PDP |
| 11 | Gabriel Suswam | May 29, 2007 | May 29, 2015 | PDP |
| 12 | Samuel Ortom | May 29, 2015 | May 29, 2023 | APC/PDP |
| 13 | Hyacinth Alia | May 29, 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
Data updated as of January 2026. Verified via official Benue State Government archives.
Benue State Governance: FAQ
Who was the first governor of Benue State? The first governor was Abdullahi Shelleng, a military officer appointed in 1976 when the state was created from the old Benue-Plateau State.
Which Benue governor is known for the "Food Basket" slogan? While Benue has always been agricultural, Aper Aku (1979-1983) is often credited with laying the industrial and agricultural foundation that earned the state its nickname.
Has a priest ever been governor before Hyacinth Alia? Yes. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu was the first Catholic priest elected as governor, serving from 1992 to 1993.
