2027: Olofu Declares Senate Ambition, Vows to Drive Growth and Development

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Former Benue State Commissioner of Finance and President of the Apa Legacy and Sustainability Initiatives (ALSI), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Dr. David Olofu, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Benue South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Olofu made the declaration over the weekend at the council halls in Ugbokpo and Obagaji, headquarters of Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas (LGAs) respectively.

Addressing traditional rulers and later party leaders at the respective party secretariats, Olofu outlined his vision for Benue South, pledging to stimulate development and galvanize sustainable growth across the senatorial district.

Drawing from his experience as Benue’s former Commissioner of Finance and Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners of Finance in Nigeria, Olofu said, “If given the opportunity, I know how to leverage government structures to attract developmental projects to every part of Benue South.”

He further pledged to establish industrial corridors across all parts of the senatorial district to tackle unemployment and address the lingering security challenges affecting the area.

Olofu also expressed confidence in utilizing the River Benue and the region’s abundant mineral resources to propel economic transformation and inclusive development.

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Apa and Agatu LGAs endorsed Olofu’s senatorial ambition, citing his humanitarian gestures—especially in scholarship programs and women empowerment initiatives—that have positively impacted many lives in the district.

His declaration was marked by jubilant celebrations and royal blessings from the traditional councils of both Apa and Agatu. During the event, the Odejo K’Apa, Chief John Antenyi, conferred on Dr. Olofu the chieftaincy title “Ojimeli K’Apa”—meaning “The One Who Champions His People’s Cause.”

The monarch invoked the ancestral spirits (Alekwu) and the Almighty God to guide Olofu to victory, declaring, “Tabeje, tabeje, tabeje. All my predecessors will fight for you and bring home victory. And the Almighty God will lead you to triumph.”

Similarly, the Ada’Agatu, Dr. Godwin Onah, offered his blessings and urged all Agatu sons and daughters to rally behind Olofu’s senatorial bid.

“We thank God that we now have someone who has volunteered to take up the challenge. It is incumbent upon us to give him our total support,” he said.

The declaration event drew a massive crowd, with thousands thronging the venues to witness and celebrate the emergence of the new senatorial aspirant.