The Founder and Executive Director of Menroi Rural Prioty Foundation and Mzehemen U Tiv Foundation, Prof. Kohol Iornem has been returned as winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency election.
Prof. Kohol polled 40, 672 votes to beat five others for the ticket including the incumbent, Rep Terseer Ugbor, who polled 750 votes.
He assures that the efforts of those who made the victory possible will not be in vain.
“That which you so desire from me, we will strive to fulfill. God bless you all,” Prof. Kohol says in a statement after his victory.
Prof. Kohol, therefore, thanked God for making it possible for him to be elected the APC flag bearer for the federal lawmaking job.
“I want to thank our performing Governor, H.E. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his maverick-style leadership and vision for Benue, which inspired me to return to Nigeria to support his administration and contribute my quota. I also want to thank the Deputy Governor of Benue State, H.E. Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, for supporting His Excellency’s pro-masses agenda.
“I will not forget to thank the leader of the good people of Kwande, Prince Moses Ternenge, and Dr. Livinus Tsar, both of whom believed in my capacity to support the Governor.
“I want to thank the APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, and his vibrant state executive council.
“I also want to thank my vibrant local government chairmen in Kwande and Ushongo, Hon. Neji and Hon. Terkimbir Adzu respectively, for their high-level grassroots administration and their roles as political and community leaders.
“I would like to thank the following elders for their wise counsel and fatherly blessings: Prof. David Iornem, Hon. Terngu Shawon, and Hon. Boko.
“I want to thank the LG party chairmen, Dr. Felix Kor (Kwande) and Hon. Terkimbir Hembaor (Ushongo), for holding the party together alongside their executives.
“I also want to thank the National Coordinator of the LiviTsar Support Group, Pastor Jacob Agede; the Lead Pointman of Ushongo, Solomon Aondo; the pointmen across Kwande and Ushongo; the GLO of Ushongo, Mvendaga Atetan; the GLO of Kwande, Chiga Philip; and the CPS, Kulas Tersoo, for their teamwork in ensuring that His Excellency is re-elected in 2027.
“My special appreciation goes to my wife, Sadiksha; Rev. Nick Agule; Nadoo Jomboh; Vivian Kave; Kevin Korgba; Akaa Fele; Engr. Okakwu Otabe, and the leader of the Tiv Community in the United Kingdom, Chief Bemdoo Aleva, for their invaluable support.
“I have had a great team working tirelessly behind the scenes who are too numerous to mention individually, but I would like to acknowledge the contributions of elders and supporters such as Hon. Maurice Tsav, Engr. Isaac Iyorhen, Dr Ungwanen, Hon. Jomboh, Rev. Malcom Orkar, Hon. Dan Boor, Hon. Akor Ikyegh, Hon. Ajabo, Hon. Adzua Ikyur, Prof Stephen Akuma, Hon. Moses Tyokase, Simon Tyonem, Akosu, Tiav, Msendoo Marcus, Harry, Lutor, Toryima, Ken Kaase, Sir Dogo, Igba Iorbo, Kohol Nen Alia Asortar coordinators, Godwin Nongu, Isaiah, Comr Torkwase, Gafa, Yie, Solo, Suur, Chemical, Success, Bunde, Drusilla, the Amazon Ladies for Kohol, Jenebu Jess, Dulcy, Stella and Armstrong. I say thank you.
“I appreciate the efforts of all the State Assembly aspirants across Kwande and Ushongo for their overwhelming support. They stood by me, with me, and for me. I do not take their support for granted.
“For fear of omitting people who have made significant contributions, I would also like to acknowledge the various groups that worked tirelessly, from my vibrant and articulate media team to our elders, women, and youths.
“To my mum, Mrs. Esther Iornem, my family, friends, and well-wishers, I say thank you for your unwavering support.
“I will not end this acknowledgement without thanking the good people of Kwande for demonstrating the spirit of “Ya Na Angbian” (eat and give to your brother) by extending overwhelming support to Ushongo in producing the next House of Reps member in the spirit of fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Thank you, Kwande!
“To all my fellow House of Reps aspirants, thank you for putting up a good contest. Competition is necessary because it brings out the best in everyone. I believe we all have what it takes to make Kwande and Ushongo great, even though we may have different approaches. I will be reaching out to both House of Representatives and Assembly aspirants to see how we can work collaboratively on this Kwande/Ushongo project.
“Hon. Orseer Saaondo Jegu, one of the aspirants for the Kwande/Ushongo federal seat, called me this morning to congratulate me on my victory in the primary election. He also assured me that he would not only join me on this journey but fully support this aspiration. Thank you, Hon. Jegu.
“To the collation agents, returning officers, INEC staff, and security officials responsible for the conduct of the primaries, thank you for your service.
“Finally, I want to especially thank the elderly men and women who came out very early and en masse to vote. Though tired, they remained at the venue until late at night when the process ended. I want to assure you that your efforts will not be in vain. That which you so desire from me, we will strive to fulfill. God bless you all,” the 2027 APC Kwande/Ushongo candidate stated.
