By Nelson Ogbu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially launched its Benue State chapter, unveiling a formidable coalition of core democrats drawn from major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and others.
The unveiling ceremony held in Makurdi, the state capital, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event was followed by the constitution of a State Protem Working Committee, tasked with overseeing the party’s foundational structures and mobilizing for membership registration across the state.
Former Speaker Protempore of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. High Chief Terngu Tsegba, was announced as the State Chairman of the Protem Committee. He is joined by former three-term federal lawmaker representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency as State Secretary, and Hon. Stevie Ayua, former Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government, as State Publicity Secretary.
Other prominent members of the State Protem Committee include:
Hon. Prof. Cletus Tyokyaa, former Special Adviser to the Governor
Hon. Mrs. Abeje Egwa, former PDP State Women Leader
Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Allagh, former Commissioner for Women Affairs
Hon. Ato Agber, grassroots mobilizer
As part of the statewide rollout, the party also constituted Local Government Protem Committees across all 23 LGAs in Benue. The full list includes respected political figures and community leaders assigned to mobilize support and coordinate party activities at the grassroots level.
Highlights of Local Government Protem Committee Chairmen include:
Kwande: Hon. Fanen Orasaa
Ushongo: Hon. Gabriel Nduul
Konshisha: Hon. Aondohemba Terna
Vandeikya: Saater Mhambe
Ukum: Hon. Mnzuulga Dankaro
Logo: Hon. Ulaha Paschal
Katsina Ala: Hon. Ianna Apadam
Buruku: Hon. Emmanuel Ajav
Gboko: Hon. Terlumun Agbadu
Guma: Hon. Godwin Nyigba
Gwer West: Hon. Nick Abeh
Gwer East: Hon. Simon Iwar
Makurdi: Hon. Raymond Tser
Tarka: Hon. Christopher Anzua
Ado: Hon. Shagari Ejeke Dogo
Apa: Hon. Owoicho Oyih
Agatu: Hon. Williams Shagari
Okpokwu: Hon. Simon Ochayi
Otukpo: Hon. Eche Adama
Ohimini: Hon. Mohammed Adama
Ogbadibo: Hon. Ada Ojile
Oju: Hon. John Ode
Obi: Hon. Isaac Ogbu Odang
Speaking on behalf of the party, State Protem Publicity Secretary Hon. Stevie Ayua stated that the new structure will serve as a launchpad for mass mobilization and political engagement across Benue. He emphasized that the ADC in Benue is committed to providing a credible alternative platform for the people, grounded in unity, inclusion, and purposeful leadership.
The unveiling of the ADC structure in Benue has been described by political watchers as a bold and strategic move that may alter the balance of power in the state’s political landscape
