Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State have formally endorsed Amb. Stephen Ejembi Ola, KSM, as the party’s consensus candidate for the Okpokwu State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 Benue State House of Assembly election.
The endorsement, which took place in Makurdi on May 16, 2026, followed consultations among party leaders and stakeholders within the local government area and the completion of the party’s nomination requirements, including the payment of prescribed fees and submission of necessary documentation.
Party leaders at the event described Amb. Ola as a grassroots politician with the experience, leadership qualities, and capacity required to effectively represent the people of Okpokwu Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly.
Among dignitaries present at the endorsement ceremony were Barr. Jacob Ogwuche, Group Captain Stephen Adah, former Commissioner Onuh, Chief Evans Adikwu, and Comrade John Ochigbo, the Chief Whip of the ADC in Benue State, alongside other party stakeholders and supporters.
Speakers at the gathering praised the consensus arrangement, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the party and confidence in Amb. Ola’s political strength and acceptability among constituents.
In his acceptance speech, Amb. Ola expressed gratitude to God and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to justify the trust placed in him and promised to pursue effective representation if elected in 2027.
“I thank God Almighty for His goodness and grace throughout this process. I also deeply appreciate all stakeholders, friends, associates, and supporters for their encouragement, contributions, and guidance,” he said.
He added that he would not take the endorsement lightly and prayed for divine grace and victory in the forthcoming election.
“What God cannot do does not exist,” he concluded.
The endorsement comes amid growing political realignments in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the African Democratic Congress seeking to strengthen its grassroots structures across the state.
The ADC has recently intensified its political activities nationwide as part of efforts to expand its influence ahead of the next election cycle. The party’s national leadership currently includes former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The endorsement comes as political activities gradually begin to gather momentum in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties positioning prospective candidates for state and federal legislative contests.
The African Democratic Congress had before and after the recent Supreme Court judgement intensified efforts to strengthen its presence in Benue State and attract new political figures into its fold.
In 2025, the party formally launched its structure in the state with the emergence of an interim leadership led by Terngu Tsegba.
Okpokwu LGA, located in Benue South Senatorial District, is one of the prominent Idoma-speaking areas of the state and has historically played an active role in legislative politics within Benue South.
The local government, headquartered in Okpoga, was created in 1976 and shares boundaries with Ado, Ogbadibo, and parts of Enugu and Kogi states.
