THE BENUE State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in its preparations for the 2027 general elections by unveiling a comprehensive list of candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly contests.
The announcement comes as political activities begin to intensify across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 polls, with parties seeking to consolidate their structures and present candidates capable of challenging established political forces in key states.
At the centre of the ADC’s Benue strategy is former member of the House of Representatives, Herman Hembe, who recently emerged as the party’s governorship candidate after winning the ADC primary election.
Reports indicate that Hembe secured victory in a contest described by party officials as peaceful and transparent, positioning him as the party’s standard-bearer in the race for Government House, Makurdi.
Political observers see Hembe’s emergence as part of the party’s broader effort to exert its influence in Benue. His candidacy is expected to add another dimension to what analysts are already describing as a highly competitive governorship contest.
Current projections suggest a tight race between the trio – incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa of the PDP and Hembe of the ADC.
Senatorial Candidates
For the Senate, the ADC is fielding candidates across Benue’s three senatorial districts. These include: Robert Aondona Tyough – Benue North-East; Terngu Tsegba – Benue North-West, and Olofu David Adejo – Benue South
The nomination of Tsegba is particularly notable given his previous prominence in Benue politics and his involvement in the ADC’s state-building efforts since the party’s expansion in the state.
House of Representatives Candidates
The party also announced candidates for all eleven federal constituencies in the state. They include: Adeyi Stephen Ojogbane for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu; Solomon Eigege for Apa/Agatu; Torkuma Bunde Yongu for Buruku; Asue Tertsea for Gboko/Tarka; and Benjamin Mzondufor for Guma/Makurdi.
Others include David Maor for Gwer East/Gwer West; Jacob Mulya for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo; Gbe Benjamin for Konshisha/Vandeikya; Terver Atsar for Kwande/Ushongo; John Moses Ogbu for Oju/Obi; and Innocent Inelegwu Omudu for Otukpo/Ohimini.
State Assembly Ambition
The ADC is also competing across the state by presenting candidates for all 32 state constituency seats in the Benue State House of Assembly, with party officials describing the lineup as a blend of experienced politicians, grassroots mobilisers and emerging leaders drawn from various communities across the state.
The party says the objective is to build a broad-based political movement capable of securing representation at every level of government.
The candidates include: Ogbu Nelson (Ado); Stephen Ojotu Odejo (Agatu); Matthew Ojonugwa Adobunu (Apa); Sewuese Lynda Tofi (Buruku); Hillary Yanmeya Toryila (Gboko East); Ajai Isaiah Terwase (Gboko West); Jimin Geoffrey (Guma); Titus Igo (Agasha); Barnabas Oefe (Gwer East); Orsal Terkula Felix (Gwer West); Anngu Jonathan Shimrumun (Katsina-Ala East); Abel Ukuma (Katsina-Ala West); Joshua Teryila Konshisha (Gaav); and Godwin Terna (Kwande East).
Others are Wuanor Gande James (Kwande West); Ajon Tersoo Eric (Logo); Godwin L. Ayihe (Makurdi North); Antwar Michael (Makurdi South); Ogbu Denis Ominyi (Obi); Adole Justice Onah (Ogbadibo); Alphonsis Ejembi (Ohimini); Omenka Edwin Ocha (Oju I); Ijuo Eliah Onyike (Oju II); Stephen Ola Ejembi (Okpokwu); Paul Inalegwu Okoh (Otukpo/Akpa); and, John Ojila (Adoka/Ugboju).
Others include: Victor San Bem (Tarka); Zaye Jerome (Ukum); Ticha Ahen John (Mata); Angum Teryila Gabriel (Mbagwa); Adeiyongo Terkimbi (Vandeikya Kyan); and, Agbatse Benjamin Terungwa (Vandeikya Tiev).
Growing Influence of ADC in the Political Landscape
The Benue announcement reflects the ADC’s broader ambition to establish itself as a major opposition force nationally. Over the past year, the party has attracted national attention through coalition-building efforts and the participation of prominent political figures seeking alternatives to the dominant parties.
However, the party has also faced internal leadership disputes and factional disagreements at the national level, developments that political analysts say could negatively influence its performance at the 2027 polls.
Looking Ahead
With Herman Hembe leading the ticket and candidates now in place for senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly contests, the ADC has formally launched its electoral campaign structure in Benue State.
