Benue 2027: Tortiv-Ato Pledges to Provide Right Leadership to Address Security Challenges for Sustainable Development

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Governorship aspirant in Benue State for the forthcoming general elections, Engr. Peter Terwase Tortiv-Ato, has pledged to provide the right leadership to tackle the incessant security challenges bedeviling the state in order to achieve sustainable development when he becomes Governor in 2027.

Ato, who is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the pledge when he formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election before PDP stakeholders in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha Local Government Area.

He lamented that Benue State has suffered prolonged insecurity and stated that the suspension of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law—one of the landmark achievements of the Samuel Ortom administration—has worsened the situation, leading to an increase in the number of Internally Displaced Persons across the state. He described it as unacceptable that a large number of productive farmers are denied access to their farmlands.

While noting that recent security challenges have left many farmers and communities distressed, he expressed confidence that with the right leadership, Benue can chart a more secure and prosperous path. He appealed to stakeholders to support his ambition to advance development in the areas of security, infrastructure, employment, the economy, education, and other relevant sectors.

Speaking at the event, leader of the Jechira PDP and former Commissioner for Education in Benue State, Dr. Saawuan Tarnongu, urged Ato and all Jechira governorship aspirants to be united for a common goal. He also appealed to other Tiv intermediate areas with 2027 governorship ambitions to allow Jechira to complete its cycle of eight years.

Also speaking, the leader of Konshisha PDP and former Deputy Chairman of Konshisha Local Government, Hon. Ortese Kpev, commended Ato for his ambition to reclaim Jechira’s governorship slot. He assured him of their support and urged him to consult widely, adding that Ato’s track record and experience make him well-qualified to lead the state.

Kpev added that the party is growing stronger and will reclaim power in 2027, urging party supporters to remain committed and to continue strengthening the party at the grassroots.

Representatives who spoke for Shangiev-Tiev and Gaav—including former Benue Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Shimawua Azaigba, and former Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Dr. Terver Akase—described Ato as humble, competent, and credible. They commended him for promising to prioritise security, wished him success in his ambition, and pledged their support.

In their separate remarks, Terhemen Atondu (speaking for the forum of elders), Mbavaa Ward Chairman Iorsende Tor (speaking for Konshisha ward chairmen), Konshisha PDP woman leader Tyonum Christiana, youth leader Akav Bua, and former councillor and Chairman of the Benue State Councilors’ Forum, Fanen Dzua, prayed for Ato’s success and assured him of their support.

Earlier, Konshisha PDP Chairman, Gwaza Ane, thanked Ato and his entourage and lauded the massive turnout to welcome him. He noted that the people will support him as he embarks on his journey to serve the state as Governor in 2027 and wished him well.

A statement by the Director of Communications for the Ato Governorship Campaign Project, Mr. Msugh Benjamin, said Ato was accompanied by a staff member of the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, Bem Kurugh, and his close associate and aspirant for the Gwer-East House of Assembly, Comrade Vitalis Hwande, among others.