Benue South 2027: Oju/Obi Transfers Senatorial Zoning to Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Following the decision of Dr. David Olofu, immediate past Commissioner of Finance in Benue State, to contest the Benue South Senatorial seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the people of Oju/Obi Federal Constituency have unanimously resolved to cede the senatorial slot to the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

They explained that the decision was taken in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice, especially as both Oju/Obi and Apa/Agatu Federal Constituencies remain the only blocs in Benue South yet to produce a Senator.

During the consultation visits to Oju and Obi LGAs, the ADC Chairman in Oju LGA, John Odeh, revealed that their support for Dr. Olofu stemmed from the longstanding marginalization and suffering endured by the Igede people under the current senatorial representation, despite their overwhelming support for the incumbent Senator in the last two elections.

Speaking emphatically, Odeh stated, “Your Excellency, the Igede nation under Benue South will not repeat the mistakes of the past. Six years ago, we entrusted our mandate to a man whose ambition brought sorrow to our land and forced many of our prominent sons and daughters into silence.

“That is the same man who ignored the cries of the Igede people; the man who forgot the significance of the Igede nation; the man who disregarded the blood and sacrifices of our people.

“But today, we say Enough is Enough. We are wiser, we are stronger, and the painful memories of those dark moments remain fresh in our hearts,” he lamented.

Odeh reiterated that aside from the neglect suffered under the PDP representative, the need to promote justice, equity, and balance made it necessary for the pendulum to swing to the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

He appealed to Dr. Olofu to carry the Igede people along by including them in strategic committees and other key structures of his political movement.

In his remarks, the Obi ADC Chairman, Ogbu Isaac Odang, confirmed that the decision to cede the position to Apa/Agatu and support Dr. Olofu was collectively reached by Igede leaders and members of the ADC.

“After due consultations among critical stakeholders in a meeting held days ago, we unanimously agreed to stand with our brothers and sisters from Apa/Agatu to produce the next Senator for Zone C in 2027,” he said.

Earlier, traditional rulers from Oju and Obi LGAs blessed the aspirant, stating that though they were apolitical, their politically active children would work tirelessly to ensure Dr. Olofu’s success.

The First Class Chief of the Igede nation, Adirahu I’gede, Chief Oga Ero, described Dr. Olofu as a trusted and tested philanthropist. He prayed for his success and expressed optimism that Igede people would be duly remembered when he got to the Senate.

“Your candidature will strengthen the relationship between the Igede and Apa/Agatu people. We used to work together in the past. Now is the time to revive that bond. The Igede people will support you. You have no problem here, but do not forget us at the Senate.

“You have seen our road. Does it look like a road meant for human habitation? If you had come during the rainy season, you would understand better. That road is our biggest challenge. Please lobby for its reconstruction when you get to the Senate,” he pleaded.

Similarly, the Second Class Chiefs of Oju and Obi LGAs, Chief Ulegede and Chief Ode Emmanuel Okpabi, echoed similar concerns, stressing that the people needed a leader who could free them from the chains of underdevelopment.

Former Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Engr. Okpe Onah; former State Assembly member, Egbiri Idah; and former Oju Council Chairman and erstwhile PDP Zonal Chairman, Chief Godwin Owulo, all declared strong support for Dr. Olofu. They also urged him to help the Igede people actualize their senatorial aspirations after his tenure.

Earlier, Dr. Adakole Elijah and Mrs. Oowo Ameh thanked the Igede people for their resilience despite long-standing subjugation. They assured that Dr. Olofu, if elected, would wipe away their tears.

They noted that the Idoma people had collectively agreed on the need for senatorial rotation across the entire Benue South District.

Elijah explained that Otukpo/Ohimini had been well represented in the Senate by Senator David Mark, while Okpokwu/Ado/Ogbadibo produced Senator Ameh Ebute twice, Senator Godwin Okpe once, and Senator Abba Moro twice. He stressed that these two constituencies were not eligible to vie for the seat at the moment.

He insisted that only Apa/Agatu and Oju/Obi Federal Constituencies should contest the 2027 senatorial slot and urged the Igede people to resist supporting candidates from Otukpo/Ohimini and Okpokwu/Ado/Ogbadibo Federal Constituencies if they desired true liberation.

“At the end of Apa/Agatu’s tenure, no Idoma man will have the moral justification to contest for the Senate apart from my Igede brothers and sisters. What we are doing now is creating fertile ground for you to reach the Senate soon,” he stated.

In his address, the senatorial hopeful, Dr. David Olofu, assured that if given the mandate, he would use it for the benefit of all.

He promised an inclusive representation that both Igede and Idoma people would be proud of, with no form of marginalization or preferential treatment for any part of the district.

“I will treat everyone as my people. I will treat you the same way I will treat my Opaha people. I will be fair to all. I will be your Senator — not a Senator for a specific area. I will use my experience, education, and connections to attract development to all corners of the district,” he pledged.