By Amos Aar
STAKEHOLDERS from the Kwande Intermediate Area of Tiv land in Benue State have distanced themselves from what they called “a purported endorsement of a Kwande governorship candidate for 2027”, describing the move as “misguided, self-serving, and completely at variance with the will of the Kwande people.”
The group, made up of leaders from Kwande and Ushongo LGAs, said the alleged endorsement credited to Baba Atsaga Anemba and Barr. Vincent A. Uji does not represent the political direction of the area.
Reading their position on behalf of the group at a world press conference on Monday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Makurdi, leader of the delegation, John Moughsha, said the declaration was “null, void, and of no effect.”
According to him, no individual or small circle of political actors has the mandate to speak for Kwande on the 2027 governorship question, especially at a time when the area is fully aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s development agenda.
“This endorsement attempt is unpatriotic and a desperate effort to mortgage Kwande’s political future for narrow personal interest,” Moughsha said.
The stakeholders insisted that Kwande and Ushongo remain firmly behind Governor Alia, whose first-term performance, they argued, has restored confidence in governance and delivered unprecedented development.
They cited progress in road construction, hospitals, rural infrastructure, public sector reforms, and consistent payment of salaries and pensions as reasons for their support.
They also referenced the Tiv Traditional Council’s blessing of Governor Alia for continuity under the leadership of the Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, describing it as a wise and unifying decision that aligns with the long-term interest of the Tiv Nation.
Apart from Alia’s performance, the stakeholders said justice and political fairness demanded that the Jerchira axis be allowed to complete eight years in office for the first time in the history of Benue State.
They further argued that supporting Alia until 2031 strategically positions Kwande to produce the next governor. “When Jerchira finishes well, Kwande shall begin strong,” they stated.
They dismissed the endorsement making the rounds on social media as a “fabricated and deceptive stunt,” questioning how individuals claiming to be PDP stakeholders could endorse APC appointees at political meetings held in the residence of a known PDP patron.
They also pointed another gathering reportedly held on November 14 at Doo Resorts in Ushongo as further evidence that the claims were inconsistent and lacked credibility.
The group also clarified that their press conference was sponsored by Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, whom they described as a devoted son of Kwande committed to the unity and progress of the people under both Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Asked whether the commissioner’s sponsorship compromised the neutrality of the group’s message, making Governor Alia a judge in his court, its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Emmanuel Uzan, said Iyaghigba acted as the “political leader of Kwande”. Another member, Daniel Gbor, argued that the commissioner supported the event as an indigene of Kwande and not on the basis a government appointee.
The stakeholders called on all sons and daughters of Kwande and Ushongo to reject divisive politics and rally behind Governor Alia’s second-term bid, insisting that the future political prospects of the area depend on the continuity of the current administration. “2027 governorship is not for Kwande”, Gbor stressed while fielding questions.
