By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue Liberation Movement (BLM) has called on key political leaders in the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former Governor Samuel Ortom, to zone the 2027 governorship position to Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, in the interest of fairness and equity.

The group, a coalition of members drawn from different political parties in Benue state, made the appeal while addressing the media in Makurdi.

Speaking through its leader, Leonard Ikyem, the group stated that the call followed extensive consultations and consideration of agitations from various blocs within the Tiv-speaking areas of the state.

It stressed that Kwande had a “genuine case” for the governorship slot noting that “we have painstakingly listened to the agitations, arguments, and counter arguments from the Jechira, Kwande, and indeed the Jemgbagh intermediate areas of the state, and we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the Kwande people have a genuine case,” he said.

The group urged stakeholders across party lines to support the zoning arrangement, noting that it would correct what it described as a long-standing imbalance in the state’s political structure.

According to Ikyem, Kwande’s claim “is partly rooted in history,” recalling that the state’s first civilian governor, the late Aper Aku, who hailed from the area, was unable to complete his tenure.

“Governor Aper Aku’s truncated term was a significant setback for Kwande. Allowing them to complete the term would be a chance to fulfil the mandate of the people and build on Aku’s legacy,” he stated.

He further argued that other geopolitical blocs in Tivland had enjoyed longer or multiple tenures, while Kwande had remained marginalised for over four decades.

“Since 1983, when the administration of the late Aper Aku was truncated, no Kwande person has occupied the number one seat, a period of over forty years,” Ikyem said.

Drawing parallels with past political arrangements, the BLM noted that a similar zoning consideration was extended to the Jechira bloc in 2023. “The Jechira intermediate area enjoyed a similar gesture in 2023 when all political parties collectively zoned the governorship position to the area. Kwande’s case should not be different,” he added.

The group also maintained that zoning the governorship to Kwande in 2027 would promote unity, balance, and inclusiveness in the state’s political landscape. “For fairness and equity, since other Tivland geopolitical blocs have had two turns, Kwande deserves a chance to lead in 2027. This would promote balance and fairness in Benue’s political landscape,” he said.

The BLM expressed confidence in the capacity of leaders from Kwande to govern effectively, insisting that the area boasts individuals with the experience and competence to advance the state’s development.

He clarified that the group’s position was not driven by ethnic bias, emphasizing that its members were not from the Kwande axis. “This call is not based on tribal or ethnic sentiments, as none of us is from the Kwande intermediate area. It is our firm belief that our request will be granted in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice,” he said.