Benue 2027: Kwande axis insists on next governor, calls  Reps Ugbor to join race

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

A political group under the auspices of the Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition (MAKGA) in Benue State, has called on  sons and daughters of Kwande intermediate area with impeccable credentials and track records to step forward to contest for the governorship in 2027. 

The group announced that it will in consultation with the relevant stakeholders of Kwande bloc soon commence x-raying  of all the governorship aspirants from axis for a possible adoption and endorsement. 

MAKGA is agitating that someone from the Kwande intermediate area be allow to  and come complete the tenure of the late former Governor Aper Aku, which was cut short by a military coup in 1983.

The group had argued that the Kwande area has been consistently overlooked for the governorship seat, stressing that the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia, who is from the Jechira bloc, should  step down his second term bid in the 2027 elections, having completed the tenure of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu whose tenure was also cut short in 1993 by the military.

This position was made known at a press conference held in Makurdi on Wednesday by the group.

Our correspondent gathered that the governorship seat in the state is usually rotated among the Tiv five intermediate axis in the state.

The intermediate axis included, old Kwande, Jechira, Minda, Sankera and Jemgba. The incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia is from Jechira intermediate.

Speaking at the press conference, Convener of the group, Leonard Ikyem, explained that the movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition(MAKGA) has spent the last 12 months appealing to the good people of Benue State on why Kwande intermediate area should produce the governor of Benue State in 2027.

He said within this period, they have met several blocs in the State, visited political leaders across party lines and solicited their support and have also seen credible aspirants spring up from Kwande intermediate area, indicating interest in the governorship of the State. 

“As we are about to enter 2026,the year political parties will zone political positions, we at MAKGA are also x-raying the chances of Kwande producing the governorship of Benue State. 

“In view of the above, MAKGA is calling on the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, to contest for the governorship of Benue State in 2027. Ugbor has performed credibly well as a legislator, representing the people of Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State”, Ikyem said.

He maintained that the federal lawmaker has been very outspoken on the problems affecting the people of Kwande intermediate area and Benue State in general, particularly on the issue of insecurity and the welfare of the common man.

“Ignore has also executed projects in almost all the 26 council wards of Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, including water, education, and electricity projects”, Ikyem. 

And within just  two years of Ugbor at the national assembly, he has successfully executed 10 agricultural empowerment programs touching every community in the constituency to boost food production, an unprecedented feat never achieved before. 

“He is responsible for amending the Student Loans Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has today provided opportunities to over 20,000 Benue students to pay their school fees for higher education. 

“If someone with no track-record could also aspire and even get the votes of Benue people, how much more Terseer Ugbor who has a rich history in private sector and public service. Terseer Ugbor has shown the right temperament, character, integrity, and vision to unite the state and move Benue in a new and positive direction for all its citizens. 

“MAKGA wants Hon. Ugbor to know that the call on him to join the governorship race is a call by Kwande people, a call from his constituents, and a call to service. 

“We also want to use this opportunity to commend Kwande sons such as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council(NSC), Pius Akutah, former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Benue State, Terwase Orbunde, the member representing North Central on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, 

Nick Wende, former Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission(BSIEC), Tersoo Loko and others who have already indicated interest and are making very serious consultations for the 2027 governorship election, and call on other sons and daughters of Kwande intermediate area with impeccable credentials and track records to step forward for the governorship, 

This is as MAKGA in consultation with the relevant stakeholders will soon be x-raying all the governorship aspirants from Kwande for a possible adoption and endorsement.”, Ikyem alluded.