Benue South Demands 2027 Governorship, Adapts Senatorial Zoning Formula

Benue South Demands 2027 Governorship, Adapts Senatorial Zoning Formula

Stakeholders from Benue South Senatorial District, popularly known as the Idoma Nation, have renewed their agitation to produce the next governor of Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing decades of political marginalisation since the creation of the state in 1976.

The renewed call formed a major part of resolutions reached at a delegates’ conference convened by the Benue South Strategic Group (BSSG), held over the weekend in Makurdi.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and read by former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, the group outlined a new zoning arrangement for the 2027 senatorial election within the district.

The resolution, according to the group, is aimed at promoting fairness, inclusivity, and equitable political participation among the constituent federal constituencies.

The communiqué specified that only aspirants from Apa/Agatu and Oju/Obi Federal Constituencies would be supported to contest for the Benue South senatorial seat in 2027.

The group explained that the decision was informed by historical imbalances, noting that other constituencies in the district have long dominated the senatorial position to the exclusion of these areas.

It observed that Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency had produced notable figures such as David Mark and Senator Adejo Ogiri, while Okpokwu/Ado/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency had also produced former Senate Presidents Ameh Ebute and Abba Moro.

According to the group, allowing Apa/Agatu and Oju/Obi constituencies to produce the next senator would correct longstanding inequities and strengthen unity within the district.

To ensure sustainability of the arrangement, the group adopted a rotational formula between the two constituencies. It stated that if Apa/Agatu produces the next senator, the position would subsequently rotate to Oju/Obi after two terms, in line with principles of justice, equity, and balanced representation.

On the governorship contest, the stakeholders insisted that Benue South must be given the opportunity to produce the next governor of the state, describing the continued exclusion of the zone from the top political office as unjust and unacceptable.

The group lamented that since 1976, the district has neither produced a governor nor a Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, despite its contributions to the political development of the state.

The BSSG further declared that it would only support presidential candidates in the 2027 elections who demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing political imbalances and safeguarding the interests of minority groups across Nigeria. It added that such candidates must also present practical strategies to tackle insecurity affecting communities in Benue South and beyond.

While expressing strong determination to actualise its governorship ambition, the group acknowledged the need for strategic alliances and broader consultations.

It emphasized that achieving the goal would require engagement with stakeholders across the state, including political leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society groups.

The group also called for equitable distribution of elective and appointive positions across Benue State, including key offices such as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

It stressed that the resolutions reached at the conference would serve as a roadmap for its political engagements, consultations, and alliance-building efforts in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.