By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition (MAKGA) has insisted that it is the turn of Kwande Intermediate area of Benue state to produce the next governor of the state in 2027 and urged the lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Terseer Ugbor to contest the governorship election in the state.

Addressing the media Wednesday in Makurdi the Convener of MAKGA, Mr. Leonard Ikyem who disclosed that the group had spent the past 12 months engaging stakeholders across the state to canvass support for the Kwande intermediate area to produce the next governor noted that the consultations cut across political parties, traditional leaders, and community blocs.

“Over the last one year, we have appealed to the good people of Benue State on why Kwande intermediate area should produce the governor of Benue State in 2027. Within this period, we have met several blocks in Benue State, visited political leaders across party lines and solicited their support,” he said.

Ikyem explained that the emergence of several credible governorship aspirants from Kwande was an indication of growing political consciousness and readiness in the area stressing that as political parties prepare to begin zoning discussions in 2026, it had become imperative for Kwande to present its strongest candidates.

MAKGA specifically identified Mr. Ugbor as a standout aspirant, citing his performance at the National Assembly. Ikyem described the lawmaker as “a proven and effective representative” who has consistently spoken out on issues affecting Kwande, Benue State, and the wider North Central region.

“Terseer Ugbor has performed credibly well as a legislator. He has been outspoken on the problems affecting the people of Kwande intermediate area and Benue State in general, particularly on insecurity and the welfare of the common man,” he said.

The group highlighted Ugbor’s constituency projects, noting that he had executed water, education, and electricity projects across almost all the 26 Council Wards in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency saying these projects have had direct impact on grassroots development.

In the area of agriculture, the movement praised Ugbor for implementing 10 agricultural empowerment programmes within just two years in office emphasising that the programmes touched every community in the constituency and significantly boosted food production, a feat they described as unprecedented.

MAKGA also credited Ugbor with playing a key role in amending the Student Loans Act signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Leonard said the amendment had enabled over 20,000 students from Benue State to access loans to pay their tuition for higher education.

“If someone with no track record could aspire and even get the votes of Benue people, how much more a Terseer Ugbor who has a rich history in private sector and public service. Ugbor possesses the right temperament, character, integrity, and vision to unite the state,” Ikyem added.

He stressed that the call on Ugbor to join the governorship race was not personal or political opportunism but a collective demand from the people of Kwande. “This is a call by Kwande people, a call from his constituents, and a call to service,” he said.

The movement also commended other sons of Kwande who had already shown interest in the 2027 governorship race, including the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah; former Chief of Staff to the Benue State Governor,  Terwase Orbunde; NDDC board member, Nick Wende; and former BSIEC Chairman, Dr. Tersoo Loko. Leonard said MAKGA would soon begin consultations to assess aspirants for possible adoption and endorsement.

The group vowed to intensify its advocacy in 2026 to ensure that the governorship was zoned to Kwande urging Benue citizens to conduct their political activities peacefully, warning against violence and unlawful practices as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.