Even as Prof. Terhemba Shija, governorship candidate of the NDC is yet to set up his campaign team, indications have emerged as to why this easy going Professor of english literature strikes fear in his opponents and especially in the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia. Just last Tuesday Shija was escorting Mr. Peter Obi, his party's presidential candidate from the Makurdi Airport when thugs loyal to Governor Alia, armed with assorted weapons barricaded the rooad leading into Makurdi. They attacked the convoy chanting their usual battle cry "No Alia, no Benue" as well as "Obi go back, Obi go back!" The events which occured in the presence of security personnel and was captured live on international television and was later confirmed by the Benue State Command, marked a very dark episode in Nigeria's political development. Is this a fear caused by uncertainty of the incumbents in Abuja and Benue State respectively? Are we looking at Benue's next Governor? SHIJA: AN INTIMIDATING PROFILE Easily the most experienced among the political gladiators vying for next year's governorship in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, candidate of the NDC, enjoys a broad followership which cuts across political, religious as well as ethnic and generational divides. Shija, who hails from Vandeikya local government, is a former member of the House of Reps whose tenure was cut short by a military coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1992. Shija is contesting the 2027 Benue governorship for a third time, having previously run the race in 2015 and 2023, on both occasions failing to go beyond party primaries owing to what is widely known in Benue circles as last minute betrayals by his erstwhile political associates. Shija served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later Information under Governor George Akume. Much later, he again served as DG of Suswam's governorship re-election campaign and secured Suswam's re-election in 2011. In 2023 Shija was the top contender for the governorship ticket of the APC but later lost out to the incumbent Governor under circumstances which remain mysterious to watchers of plitical developments in Benue State. In the NDC's primaries this year, it appeared that Shija was headed for another round of betrayal in spite of having emerged winner of the party's primaries. Again the plot was spearheaded by powerful interests in the State and supported by some of his trusted erstwhile friends who were hell bent on again denying him the party's governorship ticket. Luckily however, the vigilance and perseverance as well as the goodwill of party members across tribe, age and gender secured for Shija the NDC ticket. Born November 23, 1960, Shija hails from Vandeikya local government. He attended Bristow Secondary School Gboko and University of Calabar where he studied English. He later studied Creative writing in University of Maiduguri, graduating in 1988 with a masters degree. In 2005 he obtained a PhD, African Literature from Benue State University, Makurdi. The erudite Professor brings to the Benue guber race his vast experience as well as a well-researched blueprint for the development of Benue state. Thankfully, Shija goes into battle with a very capable deputy the young and well reputed Dr. Raymond Edoh who had also aspired to the same position but eventually emerged as the former's deputy. Dr. Edoh hails from Otukpo and has held UN‑Habitat and UN Volunteer appointments. He has been publicly identified as a UN‑Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria and was appointed UN Volunteer Ambassador at an event held on UN Volunteer International Day in Abuja. In remarks at the event he emphasized strengthening volunteerism and improving the volunteering ecosystem in Nigeria. In 2023 Edoh assumed office as National Commandant of the International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. (IPCSL) in Nigeria, pledging collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to advance the organisation’s mission on sustainable development and law enforcement support. Dr. Raymond Edoh has been active in Nigerian politics as a public advocate and aspirant. In 2025 the National Civil Society Forum of Professionals (NCSFP) publicly urged the federal government to consider Edoh for an appointment, praising his contributions to national development and his role in political mobilization. Edoh has declared political ambitions in Benue State and has campaigned on a platform prioritizing youth employment, security, agricultural development, and women’s empowerment. In statements outlining his 2027 governorship bid he had proposed a statewide Youth Jobs and Skills Programme, a Benue Youth Enterprise Fund, and measures to strengthen primary healthcare and rural infrastructure.

Posted: 1month ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026