From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP Benue State, Youth Leader Godwin Ahungwaor, has said that the position of governor of the state, must be retained in Jechira axis in 2027, adding that the people from the area should also be allowed to complete their 8-year tenure, .
The Jechira extraction consists of Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas of Benue State, where the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, also hails from.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Ahungwaor, specifically called on a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP in 2023, who was also a member of the Benue State House of Assembly BNHA, Terkaa Ucha to contest the 2027 polls.
He argued that even though in his estimation Governor Alia, may have performed below expectations, the people of the area should be allowed to complete their 8-year tenure.
Ahungwaor noted that Ucha who is also from Jechira, and hails from Mbayongo ward in Tiev constituency of Vandeikya LGA of the state, has the credentials to give Alia, a run for his money and as such, should be given the opportunity to take the mantle from the Governor.
He further argued that Ucha, a former lawmaker has garnered enough experience as chairman of notable committees, including the House Committee on Water Resources and Environment in the 8th Assembly, to deliver on the job.
Other positions he explained that make the credentials of Ucha intimidating, the youth leader, noted include, serving as Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the 9th Assembly and subsequently, Chairman House Committee on Education Science and Technology, which he held simultaneously as a member of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
He stressed that Ucha held other positions like chairman Jechira Governor’s Aides under former state governor, Gabriel Suswam; Deputy chairman, Zone A Governors’ Aides forum; chairman Forum of Tiv Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs) and Deputy chairman, GLOs Forum Benue state, that stands him a good chance of wrestling power from Governor Alia, in the 2027 election.
According to Ahungwaor, Ucha stands tall among other aspirants that may have the intention to come out to contest the Governorship position because he has been in the PDP since 1998, and has never left the party at any point in time.
However, he lamented that Ucha who was also a former Caretaker Committee, Vice chairman, of the PDP, in Zone A, have been loyal and consistent to PDP, all these years, despite perceived victimisation and frustration, because he has the firm belief that PDP is the only party with people oriented manifestos and programmes that would be of benefit to the people of the state.
Asked if they have been able to convince the former lawmaker to come out and contest for the position, Ahungwaor, explained that they have already contacted Ucha, but he promised to give them his word after due consultations with other relevant party stakeholders as well as members of his constituency.
