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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Kwande Intermediary Area has received a full endorsement to vie for the Benue State Governorship poution come 2027 general elections.
The convener, Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Governorship Agenda
(MAKGA), Ikyem Leonard, disclosed this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Ikyem said the endorsement came during extensive consultations with political leaders and other intermediate blocs across Tiv land.
Speaking at a well-attended meeting in Ushongo Town at the weekend, the 84-member Kwande 2027 Inter-Party Governorship Advocacy Committee presented its report to party stakeholders and prominent sons/daughters.
The Committee also hosted delegations from other intermediate areas who came to formally convey their support for Kwande’s 2027 governorship aspiration.
Leaders of the Kwande 2027 Interparty Governorship Advocacy Committee, Elder Atsaga Anemba, a respected stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Barrister Vincent Uji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Chairman for Zone A, outlined the journey of their far-reaching consultations and the widespread acceptance their ambition received.
According to them, the consultation tour commenced with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and former Governor Samuel Ortom before extending to the Tiv intermediate areas of Sankera, Jemgbagh, Gwer, and Lobi.
Speaking on behalf of Jemgbagh, Hon. Laha Dzever affirmed that Kwande’s aspiration was both legitimate and timely, noting that Jemgbagh had resolved to stand with Kwande in order to redress long-standing political imbalances.
Ambassador Chive Kaave, representing Sankera, recalled the historic kinship between Sankera and Kwande, pledging the bloc’s full commitment toward achieving political fairness and correctness.
Similarly, Charles Torbunde, speaking for Lobi, announced an unequivocal endorsement, commending Kwande for its early and strategic moves, which, he said, had earned Lobi’s enthusiastic backing.
ACG Peter Pevigo (Rtd), on behalf of Gwer, affirmed that Kwande’s consultations were sincere and well-received. He expressed the desire of the Gwer people to produce the Governor of Benue State in the future.
The Advocacy Committee called on all eminently qualified sons of Kwande to formally declare their intentions and commence consultations. They expressed confidence that the 2027 Kwande’s Gubernatorial ambition stands on solid ground, supported by a clear political pathway and the long-established record of Kwande’s contributions to the development of Benue State.
Member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, addressed the constituents who unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his performance, both in representation and project delivery. He reaffirmed that his leadership philosophy has always been guided by the will of the people. He disclosed that he is praying, consulting widely, and would make an official pronouncement in due course.
Hon. Terwase Orbunde, former Chief of Staff to the Governor, delivered his goodwill remarks and solicited the people’s continued support in pursuing the mandate to govern Benue State, which he had previously pursued in 2023.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) Dr. Pius Akutah, represented by Dr Bem Dzoho,extended his support to the committee, and solicited the support of Kwande people to become the governorship candidate and also promised to support anyone that emerges as the governorship candidate from Kwande.
The member representing North Central on the Board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engr. Nick Wende, represented by Vershima Utile, supported the committee and apologized for his absence, while Chief Michael Aondoakaa sent his apologies for unavoidable absence
The gathering concluded with a collective pledge that Kwande will stand with all its sons, and whichever of them emerges as the governorship candidate of any political party will enjoy the united support of the Kwande people.
MAKGA convener, Ikyem expressed appreciation for the endorsement by the different intermediate blocs of Tiv land and pledged to move forward with its advocacy to ensure kwande produces the next Governor of Benue State.
