Idoma and Igede form the major ethnic blocks in Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C). The Zone is further divided into old Oju, old Otukpo, and old Okpokwu, primarily for political convenience. Out of these three subdivisions, old Oju, which comprises the Igede ethnic nationality, is the only block without a shot at the Senate seat.
For decades, no one has won a senatorial election in Zone C without winning in Oju and Obi Local Government Areas. But each time, Igede people showed interest in the seat, they were oppressed and pressed down. 2027 is therefore seen as the only chance for the Igede people, based on the incumbent Senator Abba Moro’s promise to hand over to an Igede man.
However, his recent body language has been seen as a tactical change of mind. For that reason, Igede people have reportedly vowed to vote only for someone with their best interests in mind.
According to our findings, more than 5 aspirants are jostling for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. Most of these aspirants are known political figures, some of whom have contested before, while one or two are new entrants.
In this analysis, however, NewsImpact.com takes a look at the chances of the aspirants under the platform of the APC: Hon Joe Ojobo, Hon Chief Nelson Alapa (PhD), Hon Francis Ottah Agbo, Mr Daniel Onjeh, Dr Patrick Idoko Ojecheme, and, of course, Dr David Olofu of ADC. We also examine how they will address the interests of the Igede people. It is a product of thorough research, drawing on information from grassroots sources and interviews with staunch political figures. We have done this without bias, but with a view to giving voters a window to make their choices as they see fit and as best for them and their Zone.
THE ASPIRANTS
– HON JOE OJOBO
Joe Ojobo is from Ogbadibo Local Government Area. He once served as Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council. Ojobo was also a two-term member of the Benue State Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Today, Hon Ojobo has defected from one political party to another and is contesting under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It was alleged that his frosty relationship with Senator Abba Moro from his federal constituency informed his departure to the APC. Ojobo is described by one political analyst as a perennial contestant but a serial loser.
VERDICT
Joe Ojobo is a humble individual with a youthful advantage to himself. Unfortunately, the current occupant of the Zone C Senatorial seat is from his federal constituency of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo. Transiting the Senate seat within a federal constituency from one person to another is not the ideal way. Ojobo has a connection to the Igede people, but that connection is considered not solid enough to strengthen his Victory.
– DR DAVID OLOFU
David Olofu is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning from 2015 to 2023 under the government of former Governor Samuel Ortom. He also served as Senior Technical Adviser (Fiscal Policy) to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Apart from that, he is not known to have held any political office through election. But under the government of Dr Ortom, he was a notable figure, managing the governor’s financial affairs. He is contesting under ADC.
VERDICT
David Olofu’s role in Benue State’s financial dealings during the period when workers or civil servants were not paid for several months is a serious minus. Under the leadership of former Governor Ortom, billions of naira were borrowed, all supervised by David Olofu, yet there is no tangible capital project in his constituency. He could not influence the governor to take on a small project in his area. His performance was considered so abysmal that there is a doubt whether the people of Zone C will ever entrust him with a position as important as the Senate.
CHIEF NELSON ALAPA, PhD
Chief Nelson Alapa, PhD, was a Minority Leader at the House of Representatives, and by extension, the leader of the opposition Party at the highest level. To date, Chief Alapa is the oldest APC member in Zone C. He remains a strong member of APC and was there when things were very hard for the opposition in Benue State.
As a member of the House of Representatives representing an opposition political party, he opened his constituency to the outside world. He consciously partnered with the then ruling Party in the State, led by Dr Gabriel Suswam, to construct roads in his constituency. He virtually let the people know that there is money at the national assembly at a time when their representatives were hiding.
Chief Alapa is one of the standout contestants for the Benue South Senatorial District election under the APC.
VERDICT
Chief Nelson Alapa is known for his humility, which has earned him wide grassroots support across Zone C. In addition, Alapa is considered a unifying figure among the Igede people and the rest of Benue South.
If the APC ever wins the election, the right person to do that for them is Dr Alapa. Amid cries of marginalisation from the Igede axis, Chief Alapa, whose mother is from Igede, seems to appeal to the people better. His connection with the grassroots is said to be very strong, dating back to his time as a Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
As an Otukpo-born man whose mother is from the Igede nation, he can exploit this sentiment to his advantage. Chief Alapa is said to have been feared by the camp of Abba Moro. A source within the Abba Moro camp revealed that Alapa is the only one standing between him and the National Assembly. APC is projected to win the election if Alapa is chosen as the party’s flagbearer.
– HON FRANCIS OTTAH AGBO
Francis Ottah Agbo is a seasoned journalist and media practitioner. Also, he is a former member of the House of Representatives, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly. He is the Benue State coordinator. Francis Ottah Agbo is considered a philanthropist, though most of his giving was not known. He is contesting under the APC.
VERDICT
He has been doing well. He has done some fine work as a member of the House of Representatives for 4 years. However, the opinion is strong that if Zone wants to move forward, he is not the right man for the Job.
MR DANIEL ONJEH
Daniel Onjeh is a former student union leader. He hails from Ogbadibo Local Government Area. He was born on 13th December 1973, in Orokam. His notable political engagements included serving as President of the West African Students’ Union and the National Association of Nigerian Students.
Mr Onjeh is seen as more of a unionist than a politician. Though President Buhari appointed him as Board Chairman of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), where he made his money and established some connections. Unfortunately, he was said to have used the office to fight national assembly members, including the then speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila. He, therefore, left in an acrimonious way from the office. Mr Onjeh has once or twice contested the Benue South Senatorial election and lost on both occasions. He is contesting under the APC.
VERDICT
Mr Onjeh’s alleged stubborn disposition towards elders and everyone is likely to affect his chances. This made him depart his post unceremoniously. Many people from the Igede axis consider him to be arrogant and proud. This was the reason he lost the election twice. Unless he learns to humble himself and respect the older political figures, his chances are very slim.
– DR PATRICK IDOKO OJECHEME
Dr Patrick Idoko Ojecheme is a renowned cardiologist working at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi and Jos. Dr Idoko has dedicated his career to providing medical services to humanity. In the Benue Medical field, Dr Idoko is a trusted figure among medical practitioners who value his professional knowledge.
VERDICT
Dr Idoko Ocheme is considered a good individual, easy-going, and proficient in his field. However, he is not politically tested. So far, he is not making strong inroads into the heart of the Igede nation, who are said to have been dissatisfied with the neglect by other parts of Zone C. Though he is a good man, he is not likely to receive enough support to win him a ticket. Again, he is not seen as having the political muscle to defeat Abba Moro in the general election.
