A youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Godwin Ahungwaor, has declared that the governorship of the state must return to the Jechira axis in the 2027 general election, insisting that the area should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure expected to run until 2031.
Ahungwaor, who spoke to journalists in Makurdi, said Jechira which comprises Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas produced the incumbent governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and should retain the position beyond 2027 in the interest of equity and fairness.
He called on a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP and ex-member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Terkaa Ucha, to contest the 2027 governorship election, describing him as a credible candidate capable of succeeding Governor Alia.
According to Ahungwaor, although some residents may be dissatisfied with the performance of the current administration, such concerns should not deny the Jechira axis the opportunity to complete its expected tenure in office.
He said Ucha, who hails from Mbayongo Ward in Tiev Constituency of Vandeikya Local Government Area, possesses the experience and political capacity to effectively challenge Governor Alia in 2027.
The PDP youth leader highlighted Ucha’s legislative experience, noting that he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and Environment in the 8th Assembly, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the 9th Assembly, and later Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, while also serving on the Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
Ahungwaor further said Ucha has held several strategic political positions, including Chairman of Jechira Governor’s Aides under former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Deputy Chairman of the Zone A Governors’ Aides Forum, Chairman of the Forum of Tiv Gubernatorial Liaison Officers, and Deputy Chairman of the Gubernatorial Liaison Officers Forum in Benue State.
He added that Ucha’s long-standing loyalty to the PDP, having been a member of the party since 1998 without defecting, distinguishes him from other potential aspirants.
The youth leader, however, noted that despite alleged victimisation and political setbacks, Ucha has remained committed to the PDP, which he described as a party with people-oriented policies and programmes.
Asked whether Ucha had agreed to run for the governorship, Ahungwaor said the former lawmaker had been approached but requested time to consult with party stakeholders and constituents before making a final decision.
