The agitation for the actualisation of the 2027 Kwande Senate and Ushongo Representative ambitions is gaining momentum as the Kwande Local Government Area Traditional Council has unanimously agreed that the 2027 Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency seat be ceded to the Ushongo political bloc, while the Benue North East Senate seat goes to the Kwande political bloc.
The Kwande/Ushongo bloc has been left out of the Benue North East Senate contest since the return to democracy in 1999, with several groups from the bloc demanding a chance at the seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the same vein, and in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice, they have reasoned that the Ushongo political bloc should produce the Representative for the Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.
On Friday, January 17, the Kwande Area Traditional Council, under the leadership of HRH Timothy Ahile, Ter Kwande, reaffirmed the resolution of the people when the council received the Kwande Patriotic Front, led by its President, Mr Emmanuel Terkaa Uga.
The group visited to receive royal blessings from the traditional rulers for success in their agitations for a Kwande Senator, an Ushongo Representative, and a Jechira Governor in 2027.
Members of the Kwande Patriotic Front, including Comrade Ahundu Ber, Elijah Orduen, Asombo Ifam, and Linus, spoke on behalf of Shangev Ya, Kyurav Ya, Nanev, and Turan, respectively.
They all stated that social justice must be upheld for those who deserve it in order to achieve meaningful progress in the Kwande/Ushongo bloc.
Responding, Chiefs Idundu, Tivlumum Ako-Zungwe, Aduba Andrew, and Ikpambese Ichor, who spoke for the people of Kyurav Ya, Nanev, Shangev Ya, and Turan, respectively, agreed that the presentation by the Kwande Patriotic Front was convincing and should be strictly adhered to. They noted that the Ushongo people have been denied the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency seat four times in 16 years since the exit of Hon. Chile Igbawua from the National Assembly in 2011.
Also contributing, Mue Ter Chongu, His Royal Highness Chief Simon Baver, and Mue Ter Ipusu, Chief Iorshagher Chula, stated that the agitation for a Kwande Senator and a Jechira Governor is gaining ground and deserves serious attention.
They called on the Ter Kwande, on behalf of the Traditional Council, to grant royal blessings to the members of the Kwande Patriotic Front to enable them to succeed.
