...unveils running mate

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, Mr. Herman Hembe, on Thursday pledged to serve only a single four-year term if elected governor in the 2027 general election, saying he would ensure the governorship is ceded to Benue South thereafter.

Hembe made the declaration in Makurdi during the official unveiling of his running mate, Mr. John Abba, describing the decision as a commitment to equity, fairness and political inclusion across the state.

The former lawmaker explained that his decision was informed by the need to complete what he described as the remaining four years of the eight-year governorship arrangement for the Jechira axis of Benue North East Senatorial District, where he hails from.

According to him, “We are coming to complete the remaining four years of the eight years allotted to the Jechira axis where I come from. So we will have only four years in Government House and after that, the governorship position will go to Benue South for the first time in the history of the state.”

Hembe commended the leadership of the ADC for selecting John Abba as his running mate, insisting that the choice reflected divine providence rather than personal preference.

He said, “His emergence does not mean that those who were not picked were not qualified. Everyone is qualified, but it is God that makes leaders. I urge everyone to work together to ensure the victory of our party at all levels.”

The ADC governorship flag bearer called on party members to remain united and mobilise support for all the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The task before us is to ensure that we vote for our party from top to bottom. When we win, we will re-engineer Benue State. From the very first day in office, we will grant total autonomy to local governments to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities to the people,” he said.

Hembe outlined key priorities of his proposed administration to include rural road construction, improved water supply, electricity, quality healthcare, education, agriculture and human capital development, stressing that these sectors would drive economic growth and improve the living standards of residents.

He further urged party faithful not to relent in their efforts, saying the ADC remained determined to offer Benue people a credible alternative capable of transforming the state.

In his remarks, the deputy governorship candidate, Mr. John Abba, thanked the party leadership for finding him worthy of the nomination, describing the opportunity as a call to selfless service.

Abba assured supporters that a Hembe-led administration would revive local government administration and give priority attention to education, healthcare and critical infrastructure, adding that the welfare of the people would remain at the centre of governance.

Also speaking, the ADC’s Benue South Senatorial candidate, Dr. David Olofu, expressed confidence that the party possessed the quality of candidates needed to win the 2027 elections. “We have a responsibility to work hard to rescue Benue and indeed the country in the coming election,” Olofu said, urging party members to close ranks and work collectively for victory at the polls.