ADC Sets Up Committee to Select Herman Hembe’s Running Mate Ahead of 2027 Benue Governorship Election

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State has inaugurated a nine-member strategic committee tasked with identifying and recommending a running mate for its governorship candidate, Rt.

Hon. Herman Hembe, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee was formally inaugurated following a request by Hembe to the party’s national and state leadership for the establishment of a body to guide the selection of a deputy governorship candidate.
According to the governorship candidate, the committee comprises Engr. Okpe Onah as chairman, Senator Orker Jev, Air Vice Marshal Steve Onuh (rtd), Mrs. Rose Ameh, Barr. Ogah Okwu, Prof. David Salifu, Hon. Jack Mulya, Mrs. Abeje Egwa and Hon. Alex Igwe. The committee has been mandated to consult widely and submit its report on or before June 20, 2026.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Benue State Chairman of the ADC, Samson Okwu, represented by the party’s State Secretary, Peter Chirzenden, described the committee members as individuals with proven integrity, experience and commitment to the party’s ideals.
He stated that their selection was based on their track records and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a credible recommendation that would enhance the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
Chirzenden noted that the ADC had successfully concluded its primary elections across the state, producing candidates for various elective positions, including Herman Hembe as the party’s flag bearer for the governorship race.
He stressed that the committee’s assignment should be guided by transparency, inclusiveness and extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state.
“We cannot impose a running mate on the people. The democratic process requires consultation and engagement with stakeholders. We expect this committee to interact with party leaders and members at the grassroots and identify a candidate who will strengthen the party and contribute meaningfully to governance,” he said.
The ADC secretary further urged members of the committee to place the party’s collective interest above personal considerations and ensure that their recommendation reflects the aspirations of members and supporters across Benue State.
He added that the ADC remains committed to providing quality leadership and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people through policies that promote good governance and development.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Engr. Okpe Onah, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in them and assured stakeholders that the assignment would be carried out with diligence, objectivity and fairness.
He said the committee understood the importance of its responsibility and would work towards identifying a running mate capable of complementing the governorship candidate while attracting broad-based support across the state.
Also speaking, ADC Chairman in Benue South (Zone C), Mrs. Abeje Egwa, expressed appreciation to the party leadership for entrusting the committee with the task. She assured members that the committee would deliver a recommendation capable of producing a credible, acceptable and widely supported deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.