Prof. Sebastian Hon (SAN), the Benue Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, says the party’s strong legacy and internal stability influenced his decision to contest the 2027 election on its platform.
Hon, who made the statement during an interview with reporters in Gboko on Wednesday, said he had no regrets about joining the SDP.
According to him, the party has a proven record of good governance in Benue, citing the administration of former Governor Moses Adasu and the emergence of former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu under the SDP.
“You have seen it before. Under the SDP, we had former Governor Moses Adasu, who performed very well. Under the same party, one of our illustrious sons, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, became Senate President. We witnessed good development and progress under the SDP,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said he was convinced to join the party after what he described as divine direction.
“When I left the PDP, options like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and another party came up, but the Spirit of God clearly told me not to go there. The SDP people had been reaching out to me, and the Spirit of God settled on the SDP. As you can see now, the SDP has no crisis.
“What God sees tomorrow, we cannot see today, and I have no regrets whatsoever. I am happy and joyful that I chose the SDP as my political party,” he said.
Hon said that upon joining the party, he emerged as its sole governorship aspirant and candidate in the state.
He added that while some political parties were battling internal disputes over authentic governorship candidates, the SDP remained united.
The governorship candidate dismissed concerns that the SDP lacked political structure, insisting that the party enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance.
“We have enormous grassroots appeal. We are fielding candidates in many positions, and that gives us broad coverage. Many people are dissatisfied with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially in Benue, and they are strongly supporting us.
“Some people in both major parties are also supporting us because they believe the personality leading this movement is credible enough to earn their support,” he said.
The SDP candidate, who spoke on several issues, pledged to adopt lawful but firm measures to protect lives and farmlands.
“I will confront insecurity head-on, very strongly. I will use every legitimate means to defend our people. I am determined to defend our land and work to reclaim lost communities,” he said.
