By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Iorwakwagh Apera, has declared his ambition to represent Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, promising a shift toward inclusive governance and people-driven development.

Apera, a seasoned development practitioner, unveiled his vision under the banner “Kwagh U Aondo-An Idea Whose Time Has Come,” describing his candidacy as a response to longstanding socio-economic challenges affecting communities in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas.

Reflecting on the constituency’s trajectory since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Apera observed that while efforts have been made to improve livelihoods, many residents still face hardship.

He cited insecurity, youth unemployment, limited access to farmland, and gaps in healthcare and education as pressing concerns.

“A lot has been done, but significant gaps remain in the quality of life of our people. There is a clear opportunity to better align development efforts with the real needs of our communities,” Apera said.

He emphasized that his model of representation would go beyond symbolism, focusing instead on practical impact and accountability. “Representation must be responsive and measurable. Our people deserve to see and feel the results,” he stated.

As part of his strategy, Apera announced plans to institutionalize regular engagement with constituents through quarterly forums, establish a functional constituency office, and deploy a community needs tracking system to guide interventions and policy advocacy.

The APC aspirant highlighted his extensive background in governance, humanitarian response, and economic development, noting that his experience working with both national and international partners would be leveraged to attract investments and opportunities to the constituency.

“My network and experience position me to open doors and bring development closer to our people,” he said.

On the issue of representation, Apera pointed to what he described as a longstanding imbalance in the constituency’s political leadership. He noted that since 1999, the federal seat has consistently been occupied by representatives from one axis, leaving other blocs without the opportunity to lead.

“While we respect the contributions of past leaders, it is important to ensure fairness and inclusion. Every segment of Makurdi/Guma deserves a voice at the highest level,” he said.

Apera, who hails from the Nongov bloc, said his candidacy represents an opportunity to broaden participation and strengthen unity across the constituency. “This is about balance, not division. Inclusion will only make us stronger,” he added.

He also outlined plans to empower youths and women through targeted programmes in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and access to finance, describing them as critical drivers of economic growth.