Benue: Former Rep member emerges ADC chairman

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A former House of Representatives member for Oju/Obi federal Constituency Samson Okwu has emerged as chairman, African Democratic Congress, ADC in Benue State.

However, his emergence is subject to ratification by delegates at the State Congress of the party slated to hold in April.

Peoples Daily Weekend gathered from a staunch member of the ADC who pleaded anonymity that the party decided to zone the chairmanship position to Benue South(zone c) in view of the fact that the Governorship position may tilt to Zone A and Deputy governorship seat specifically zoned to Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu bloc while the Benue South senatorial slot is zoned to Apa/Agatu.

He said for balance, the state chairmanship was micro-zoned to Oju/Obi and party stakeholders then ceded it to Obi, arguing Oju already holds the House of Representatives seat and a key state party position.

He said, “in that permutation, Okwu emerged as the rallying point though Hon. Egbiri Idaah had indicated interest, the consensus favoured Okwu in the end.

“Stakeholders across the divide witnessed the process. Those in the loop include Godwin Owulo, Ire Owuru, Evelyn Okwe, Egbe Ola and Sunday Egbodo.

From Obi, figures such as Ogwuche Imoha, Bulus Ikpechi, Prince Linus Okwute and Augustine Abbey backed the delicate balancing that produced Okwu.

“For many in Igede land, the moment carried emotional weight, seen as a quiet end to years of marginalisation since 1999 under dominant blocs.

“Okwu brings experience from over two decades in party politics and 12 uninterrupted years in the House of Representatives, a résumé party faithful believe can steady the ship.

“He is also serving as the party’s state protem secretary, a role that kept him as the engine room of its current reorganisation” .

Supporters say Okwu’s emergence could deepen internal democracy, strengthen cohesion and give the ADC a fighting chance in Benue’s crowded political field ahead 2027 election.