In a show of unity and great organizational capacity, the Benue NDC wasted no time unveiling its deputy governorship candidate. Prof Terhemba Shija, in his acceptance of his nomination as the party's governorship candidate, immediately announced a deputy in the person of Dr. Raymond Edoh. Edoh has been active in Nigerian politics as a public advocate and aspirant. In 2025 the Natinal Civil Society Forum of Professionals (NCSFP) publicly urged the federal government to consider him for an appointment, praising his contributions to national development and his role in political mobilization. He prioritizes youth employment, security, agricultural development, and women’s empowerment. He famously proposes a statewide Youth Jobs and Skills Programme, a Benue Youth Enterprise Fund, as well as measures to strengthen primary healthcare and rural infrastructure. In the acceptance speech, Shija eloquently introduced Edoh as "a new star on the firmament of Benue politics", describing him as "young, energetic, cosmopolitan, and highly detribalized", adding that "Edoh is on board with me on this ticket. I heartily congratulate him for courageously constituting the other arm of our great tag team." According to the NDC candidate, "Raymond and I are excited to share the same platform with the duo of their Excellencies Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose purposeful messianic mission is reverberating across the length and breadth of our country. We are proud of the looming image of our president and vice-president in waiting. "At this time of severe distrust, insecurity, nepotism, and segregations amongst tribe, religions, and regions, the NDC has come to unite Nigeria and set a new path for growth and prosperity. My nomination as the governorship flag bearer on the same platform with this illustrious duo is indeed a proud moment in my life. I feel inspired by them as I assume symbolic command at the sub-national level in this titanic battle to rescue Nigeria." Things do not however, appear to be going so well in the Benue ADC as the party's nominee for deputy, Peter Adejoh reportedly shunned his nomination, flatly refusing to deputize Rt. Honourable Herman Iorwase Hembe, the party's governorship candidate, forcing the party to settle for Abba John Abba. At Abba's unveiling at Nam Hall & Resort in Makurdi, Benue State, Hembe however assured supporters that all was well with the party which he said is prepared to offer the State a government anchored on accountability, inclusiveness, security and sustainable development. Chairman of the ADC, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu, described Abba as an accomplished legal practitioner, administrator and grassroots politician noting that his emergence followed extensive consultations and a transparent selection process. Okwu expressed confidence that the governorship ticket of Rt. Hon. Hembe and Hon. Abba has the competence, integrity and vision needed to provide purposeful leadership and restore hope to the people of Benue State. In a response, Abba thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as "a call to greater service." He pledged loyalty to the party and its governorship candidate, promising to work towards implementing the ADC manifesto with emphasis on security, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and transparent governance. "I call on every son and daughter of Benue State to join us in this noble mission of rebuilding our state. Together, we can secure our future and usher in a new era of peace, prosperity and shared progress," he said. In a keynote address, Prof. Cletus Torkyaa regretted that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has failed to tackle the state's worsening insecurity. According to him, continued attacks and killings in several communities reflected inadequate government response. Ityokyaa urgied Benue residents to embrace the ADC as a credible alternative capable of restoring security, good governance and development.

Posted: 7days ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 14 August 2026