The Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition (MAKGA) has chided Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness (HRH), Engr Timothy T. Ahile of “championing” what “is unconstitutional, retrogressive, and barbaric.”
KWUPO, through its Convener, Mr. Ikyem Leonard, was reacting to comments credited to HRH Ahile that his subjects should not allow themselves to be lured into contesting for the 2027 Benue Governorship election because there is no vacancy.
“At this point in time, what is due to Kwande is the Senate seat,” Ter Kwande told Kwande United Peoples Organisation (KWUPO) at a summit on Friday, July 4, while urging Kwande sons and daughters to focus their strength and resources on securing a seat in the State in 2027.
However, MAKGA, in describing the views of the Ter Kwande as “disturbing,” said Kwande, comprising Kwande and Ushongo, will not back out of the 2027 Benue Governorship election.
“While we appreciate the Ter Kwande for expressing his own freedom of expression and to hold an opinion on any matter that catches his fancy, it is necessary to remind the Ter Kwande that the issue of zoning of political positions is the preserve for political parties and not traditional rulers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, elections are contested on the platform of political parties and not on the whims and caprices of any traditional institution,” Mr. Ikyem said in the statement.
“We wish to state categorically and to assure our teeming members that the Kwande governorship project is still on course. We shall pursue it diligently across all political parties to ensure we succeed in 2027,” the MAKGA Convener further stated.
Analysts say Ter Kwande was speaking on the strength of the tradition of the position of governor in the state, whereby every intermediary area that benefits serves two terms of four years each, effective 1999.
