By Abubakar Yunusa
The Igede people of Benue State must overhaul their political leadership recruitment system ahead of the 2027 elections by prioritising competence, integrity and capacity over zoning, political patronage and personal interests, Spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Barrister Benson Upah, has said.
Upah made the call while delivering a paper titled “Re-thinking Leadership Recruitment System in Igedeland: 2027 in Focus” at the second public lecture of the Association of Igede Media Professionals (AIMP) in Abuja.
He said the quality of political leadership in Igedeland had suffered from a recruitment process that was often abrupt, poorly coordinated and driven more by the principle of “our turn” than by competence, preparation and the ability to deliver effective representation.
According to him, political succession in the area had also been weakened by the tendency to sideline the best candidates in favour of individuals who may have political connections but lack the capacity, courage or experience required to effectively represent the people.
Upah said the problem was compounded by the financial demands of contemporary politics, which often discouraged qualified professionals and capable individuals from contesting elections.
He noted that many potential candidates were required to resign from their jobs before seeking elective office, while those with the requisite credentials often lacked the financial resources to compete effectively.
He also identified the limited involvement of a sufficiently organised business class in political development as one of the factors affecting the quality of political leadership recruitment in Igedeland.
Assessing political representation since 1999, Upah said Igede had not consistently produced its best candidates for elective offices, particularly the House of Representatives.
He said the situation had affected the constituency’s ability to secure effective representation, influence legislative processes, attract development and respond adequately to the needs of citizens.
The speaker also expressed concern over the performance of local governments, saying the poor state of infrastructure and human development in many communities reflected the consequences of weak political leadership.
He identified three major forces influencing the recruitment of political leaders in Igedeland: the political elite, clan heads and the diaspora.
According to him, the political elite comprises retired and serving public servants as well as professional politicians whose networks and access to resources often give them considerable influence in determining political outcomes.
He said clan heads also played a role in political leadership selection, while political actors in Abuja and Makurdi could sometimes influence the emergence of candidates through connections to powerful political figures.
Upah warned that the consequences of a weak leadership recruitment system extended beyond elections and political offices, affecting the social and economic wellbeing of the people.
He linked the situation to growing unemployment, poverty, population pressure and conflicts between communities and clans, warning that the frustration of unemployed youths could easily become a catalyst for destructive confrontations.
He said the destruction of private investments and businesses during crises had contributed to the loss of capital and development, noting that much of the progress in Igedeland had been achieved through individual sacrifices and investments.
With two local government chairmanship positions, councillorships, three State House of Assembly seats and one House of Representatives seat expected to be contested in 2027, Upah urged the people to use the election as an opportunity to reform the leadership recruitment process.
He proposed the creation of a non-partisan body to screen and identify credible candidates before elections, saying the process should ensure that only individuals with proven competence, integrity and capacity were presented to the electorate.
He urged the people to prioritise the overall interest of Igedeland above political party sentiments, personal relationships and narrow interests.
Upah also appealed to other constituents in Benue South Senatorial District to consider ceding the senatorial seat to Igede, noting that the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency had never occupied the position.
He called for greater political inclusion and equity across Benue State, saying all parts of the state should be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in political leadership.
The speaker further urged Igede politicians to broaden their political ambitions beyond the offices traditionally considered available to them, while calling on voters to reject vote-selling and protect their votes during the 2027 elections.
He said, “Political leadership recruitment in Igede has been substantially flawed or weak. A cursory look at the political exports from Igede from 1999 to date, especially in elective positions, reveals that Igede has not been exporting its best.
“The Igede society or community as a whole will have to create a body, a non-partisan body for filtering or selecting candidates for elections. Those who do not pass through this process should not be allowed to stand for elections. Pitch the best against the best.
“Irrespective of party sentiments, the Igede must ensure, for our enlightened self-interest, to vote in the best—the people we know. Compromises for selfish personal reasons or primordial interest hurt us in varying degrees. Enough!”
To the electorate, Upah admonished; “know who you vote for. Don’t sell your vote. Make sure it counts even if it means pushing back. Protect your vote,”
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