A group known as Kwande Sons and Daughters in Diaspora (KSDD) has silenced Mr John Akpereshi, a politician, asserting that Kwande is interested in the 2027 Benue North East Senatorial District contest and has no interest in the governorship contest.
Last Sunday, at Afia, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, Mr Akpereshi allegedly declared that any person from Kwande who speaks about the 2027 Senate is a witch and not from Kwande. He was alluding to the fact that the people of Kwande (Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency) have ceded the seat to Sankera and have settled for the 2027 Benue Governorship.
However, KSDD said Mr Akpereshi’s comments have misrepresented the Kwande people and brought unnecessary tension into public discourse.
“He was not mandated, authorised, or sent by any Kwande group, elders’ forum, youth body, or community to Sankera or any other place to speak on matters relating to the Senate, the 2027 elections, or Kwande political interests. His actions and statements are personal and should not be attributed to Kwande,” the group said.
“Kwande fully supports Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and Jechira to continue and complete their eight years in office, in line with equity, justice, and continuity of governance in Benue State.
“Our support for Governor Alia is based on conviction and performance, not propaganda. We stand firmly behind his ongoing efforts and development initiatives and reject attempts by individuals to create confusion or pitch Kwande against the governor for personal relevance.
“We also condemn the attempt by John Akperashi to demonise Kwande voices and portray legitimate senatorial discussions as rebellion or sabotage. Such behaviour is dangerous and divisive and does not reflect the values or political maturity of Kwande people.”
Since the return to democracy in 1999, the Kwande political bloc of Benue North East has not produced a Senator for the district, as it alternates between Sankera and Jechira. The incumbent is from Sankera, who has been in office for 16 of the 28 years since 1999.
