Benue State’s Jechira Stakeholders have called for the retention of the 2027 governorship within the Jechira axis, specifically in Konshisha Local Government Area, in line with the state’s political zoning arrangement. The call was made during a press conference held by key political figures and stakeholders from the region.
The stakeholders highlighted the historical rotation of the Benue State governorship among the Tiv blocs, emphasizing the need for continuity in Jechira. They outlined the past governors as follows:
Kwande/Ushongo: Late Apollos Aper Aku was elected as the first civilian governor of Benue State from 1979 to 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was reelected in 1983 but his tenure was cut short by a military coup.
Jechira: Late Rev. Moses Orshio Adasu governed under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from January 1992 until 1993 when the military regime of General Sani Abacha truncated his tenure.
Jemgba: Senator Dr. George Akume served as the second civilian governor from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sankera: Senator Dr. Gabriel Suswam governed from 2007 to 2015 under the PDP.
MINDA: Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom served from 2015 to 2023 under both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP.
The stakeholders noted that with the current governor, Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, from Jechira, set to complete his first term in 2027, it is only fair and just for the bloc to retain the position for a second term especially in Konshisha LGA.
The Jechira Stakeholders argued that the principle of “Ya na Agbian” (equity in power-sharing) should be upheld, noting that other blocs have previously enjoyed two consecutive terms. They urged their Kwande counterparts to exercise patience and support the Jechira bid, assuring them of reciprocal backing when the governorship returns to Zone A.
The press conference was signed and endorsed by notable political figures, including:
Hon. Alexander Akpera (Former Commissioner for Environment, Benue State)
Hon. Mkav Igyom (Former House of Assembly Member, Benue State)
Hon. Moses Iorhen Shirsha (Former Local Government Chairman, Konshisha)
Elder Chiakor Celestine (Former APC Chairmanship Aspirant, Vandeikya LGA)
Hon. Iordye Gabriel Terhemba (APC Stakeholder, Vandeikya LGA)
Hon. Mrs. Haav Bridget (APC Stakeholder, Vandeikya LGA)
Hon. David Agbadu (Former Supervisory Councillor for Works, Konshisha)
Hon. David Chafa (Former Education Secretary, Konshisha)
Hon. Mrs. Salome Tyav (Former Councillor, Konshisha)
Hon. Tile Kaanan
Hon. Philip Adoji (Former Education Secretary)
Hon. Terseer Diogo
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the unity and development of Benue State while urging all political actors to respect the zoning arrangement for fairness and stability in governance.
