Benue South 2027: Apa Stakeholders Rally Behind Community Candidates, Advocate Massive Voter Registration

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the people of Apa in Benue State have intensified efforts to support candidates from their community in a bid to secure positions in the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate.

In a communiqué issued at the close of the Apa Youths Arise Summit held on November 22, 2027, in Abuja—and co-signed by the Convener, Comrade Paul Edoh, and the Organizing Secretary, Mr. Inalegwu Ogiri—the gathering was described as a platform to outline the political direction of Apa ahead of the 2027 elections.

During the summit, stakeholders highlighted a pivotal moment for Apa and collectively agreed to back candidates of Apa origin.

The communiqué stated: “Elders and traditional rulers within Apa have pledged their unwavering support for candidates representing Apa in the upcoming elections in line with the existing zoning agreement of the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.”

The document added that this consensus mirrors a shared desire to advance sons and daughters of the community into key political positions in a manner that upholds justice, equity, and fairness in the constituency.

Stakeholders also stressed the urgent need for massive voter registration across Apa. According to the communiqué, deliberate efforts will be made to educate community members on the importance of electoral participation to ensure every eligible voter is captured.

They further resolved to mobilize indigenes at home and in the diaspora to pool resources in support of the Apa Agenda. Political aspirants across party lines—including APC, ADC, PDP, SDP, and others—also expressed readiness to leverage their influence to promote the agenda and work collectively toward its realization.

The summit firmly opposed candidates who do not promote the Apa Agenda and warned youths against endorsing or supporting individuals whose ambitions do not align with the community’s aspirations. It emphasized that unity of purpose is crucial for Apa’s progress and for reinforcing the existing zoning arrangement in the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

Youths were encouraged to intensify advocacy efforts across all parts of Apa Local Government Area, while community members were urged to sustain grassroots mobilization and sensitization in villages and wards.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with Agatu completing two decades in the Green Chamber, the moment is ripe for the Paramount Ruler of Idoma land, His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, to reinforce the importance of institutionalizing the zoning agreement among his subjects in the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, which he hails from and presides over.

According to the communiqué, “This clarion call to His Royal Majesty is made with full awareness of his apolitical stance, but also in recognition of his role as a father committed to justice, fairness, and equity in his domain.”

The summit also acknowledged the presence of committed youths who traveled from various parts of the country to attend, noting that their participation demonstrated steadfast dedication to the Apa cause and strengthened the community’s collective voice.

The Convener, Comrade Paul Edoh Jr., and the Organizing Secretary, Mr. Inalegwu Ogiri, urged attendees to prepare for a larger summit scheduled to hold in Ugbokpo at a date to be announced in the coming months.

“Let us move forward with renewed vigor and determination to uphold the legacies of our illustrious sons and daughters and to create a prosperous future for Apa,” the summit noted.