A governorship aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress in Benue State, Raymond Edoh, has rejected the alleged zoning and endorsement of a candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Edoh described the move as unconstitutional, premature and inconsistent with democratic principles and internal party procedures.

In a statement signed by his Media Director, Emmanuel Daudu, on Sunday, the aspirant called on the leadership of the ADC to provide a level playing field for all governorship aspirants in the state.

He questioned how a seven-man committee allegedly embarked on zoning and endorsement activities when the party had yet to commence its nomination process or release nomination forms.

Edoh also demanded clarification on the legitimacy of the committee, its terms of reference and the authority backing its activities.

The aspirant queried whether the committee was constituted as a zoning, screening or selection panel and asked what criteria were used in identifying individuals allegedly considered during the exercise.

He maintained that adherence to the party constitution and democratic ethics remained necessary to sustain unity among members and aspirants.

Edoh further argued that Benue politics, particularly within Tiv political tradition, had long operated on an established understanding regarding the rotation of political offices.

According to him, the governorship arrangement involving Vandeikya Federal Constituency was still midway into its expected tenure.

He warned that any attempt to alter the existing political understanding without broad consultation could trigger tension, deepen divisions and weaken party cohesion ahead of the 2027 election.

On party primaries, Edoh opposed zonal primaries, describing them as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic norms.

He insisted that all aspirants should be allowed to participate freely in the governorship primaries, stressing that whoever emerged through a transparent process should become the party’s candidate.

“Democracy thrives on openness, fairness, due process and healthy competition,” Edoh stated.

He urged the national and state leadership of the ADC to distance themselves from the alleged zoning arrangement and ensure that all decisions regarding the governorship ticket followed constitutional procedures.

Edoh also appealed to party leaders to resolve internal disputes amicably to prevent factional crises within the party.

“The future of Benue State must be anchored on fairness, competence, inclusiveness and sincerity of purpose — not narrow political calculations,” he added.