Benue 2027: Group canvases for zoning, urges Gov. Alia to handover power to Kwande, Ushongo LGAs

From, Attah Ede, Makurdi 

A major political group from Kwande/Ushongo intermediate area under the umbrella of Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition (MAKGA), has vowed to produce the next governor of the state come 2027 general election. 

The Nations News Nigeria reports that Kwande/Ushongo intermediate area is one of the major ethnic groups in Benue State, and have vowed to canvas for ceding of the 2027 governorship slot to their area to allow them complete their tenure.

The group, which comprises politicians drawn from various political  parties including the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP, made their position known at a news briefing in Makurdi, Thursday.

They further reiterated that Kwande and Ushongo LGAs of the  State deserve to produce the next governor in 2027, so as to complete the tenure of the first civilian governor of the state, late Aper Aku.

The Convener of the group, Leonard Ikyem, argued that the basis upon which they are canvassing for governorship position in the state since 2023 was to ensure equitable balance of power within the state.

“we, the offspring of the dynamic, patriotic and progressive people of Kwande Intermediate area, comprising Kwande and Ushongo LGAs , wish to inform the good people of Benue state of our desire to renew the Governorship ambition of the Kwande people in 2027.

“As we are all aware, the democratic process in Nigeria will open another chapter in 2027 with fresh opportunities  and we intend to mobilize our people to step forward and explore this new frontier.

“One of such is that the Kwande intermediate area has established a tradition of selfless, committed and dedicated service to the people of the state in all areas of life.

“We wish to assure the Benue people that if given another opportunity, a Kwande indigene with the requisite cognate qualifications, experience and capacity, (and many of such abound) will not only sustain that tradition but surpass the yet to be matched milestones achieved by late Governor Apollos Aper Aku (the first civilian Governor of the state).

“Please mark this – Kwande still has another big pleasant surprise for Benue people. We wish to stress that the Kwande governorship agenda, which is predicated on a solid desire to offer unequalled service delivery, predates and  transcends individuals and groups.

“We, the members of this movement, have not embarked on a new exercise – we only seek to complete an assignment that is yet to be realized.

“Each generation must discover its mission, betray or accomplish it,” says a prominent philosopher. We have chosen to accomplish our mission.

“We reiterate that as the offspring of very confident patriots, who have offered the ultimate sacrifice several times and also offered proven and undeniable quality service to the state, we feel Benue would reckon with these and also reciprocate by giving us another opportunity.

“The greatest security challenges confronting the state today remind us that Kwande once made solid contributions to the survival of inhabitants of the Benue valley by providing a platform and rallying support that repelled deadly marauders in the past. 

“It is our conviction that the painful divisions, unnecessary polarization in the polity, the acrimony and bitterness with us in the state today are all signs that Benue has been waiting for Kwande.  

“We hereby solicit the support of the Benue electorate as we embark on this noble democratic quest to sustain and actualize our ambition” he stressed.