The political atmosphere in Benue State has assumed a new frenzy of excitement with confirmation that Prof.Terhemba Shija has been issued access codes to upload his name to the INEC portal as Benue State NDC's flag bearer in next year's gubernatorial elections. This was confirmed minutes ago by Shija's campaign Director General Dr. Mbachiantim Manger who, asked by this publication to confirm the development, rumours of which have been making the rounds since Thursday last week, said, "Absolutely confirmed! Prof. Shija is the quintessential flag bearer of the Benue NDC." For Shija, it has been a long and tortuous process to finally receiving the NDC's nomination. Beset by deliberate efforts to scheme him out of the process, the literature Professor doggedly fought on. Even when the party's expanded State exco recently requested INEC to upload Shija's name to the INEC portal confirming his emergence as the party's candidate at its primaries May 28, powerful forces opposed to Shija continued efforts to scheme him out of the ballot. The Mandate learnt that the present and a former governor were involved in the scheme which cost over one billion naira. Very reliable sources told The Mandate that it took the intervention of former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kano State governor and vice presidential candidate of NDC Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to frustrate the diabolical scheme.

Posted: 3months ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026