By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. David Olofu, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress, ADC, senatorial candidate for Benue South ahead of the 2027 general election.

Olofu was adopted as the party’s consensus candidate during primaries held across the nine local government areas of the district and was formally affirmed in Otukpo on Sunday.

Declaring the result, ADC Returning Officer Barr. Ogah Ekwu said Olofu met all constitutional requirements and was returned unopposed as the party’s flag bearer for Benue South.

Describing the outcome as a collective mandate, Olofu said his representation would break from the “one-man show” model and prioritize broad consultation. He announced plans to establish a “Benue South People’s Assembly” and a “Benue South People’s Council” to strengthen unity and collective decision-making across the district.

Security topped his list of priorities, with Olofu lamenting that persistent insecurity had undermined the zone’s agricultural strength and economic potential.

“As outlined in my blueprint, my first charge shall be the protection of our people,” he said. “This will begin with restoring security to our communities and unlocking the full potential of our agricultural economy.”

He outlined a vision for “a secure Benue South where lives and livelihoods are protected; a productive economy where agriculture and enterprise thrive; a strong educational system; infrastructure that connects our communities; and a government that is accountable, responsive, and people-centred.”

Olofu assured party members that no bloc would be sidelined, stating that unity, inclusion, and purposeful representation would define his campaign as he prepares to challenge incumbent Senator Abba Moro and others in the 2027 contest.

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, one of the aspirants in the Benue State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary, has asked the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to declare him the valid winner of the exercise held on May 21, 2026.

In a statement on Saturday, Kuraun said he was the only cleared aspirant who fully complied with the party’s preparatory requirements for the primary. He argued that this placed him in a position to be recognized as the winner.

According to him, he was the sole aspirant who submitted a comprehensive list of local government and ward agents to the Governorship Election Committee, with the submission acknowledged at the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi. He added that neither the incumbent governor nor any other cleared aspirant submitted the required agent lists.

Kuraun also said his agents were fully mobilized and present across wards and local government areas on the scheduled date, while election materials were verified at the state secretariat by his representative, Dr. Samuel Tondo, in the presence of the governor’s representative. He alleged, however, that the materials were never distributed to the field.

“I am willing and prepared to provide pictorial and video evidence to substantiate these claims and demonstrate the level of preparation and compliance undertaken by my team ahead of the scheduled primary election,” he stated.

In view of the above, Kuraun urged the NWC to declare him the winner of the Benue APC governorship primary.

Alternatively, he said the party should conduct a fresh primary under an independent committee constituted and supervised directly by the NWC to determine the true choice of party members.

By Philip Nyam

One-time House of Representatives spokesperson, Hon Zakari Mohammed has emerged the gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Kwara state in the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed a frontline politician emerged as a consensus candidate of the party.

In a message gratitude to party chieftains and party loyalists, Mohammed thanked them all for the massive support he enjoyed during the primary.

He said:”The overwhelming confidence reposed in me by our national leadership, state leaders, stakeholders, and the teeming members of the African Democratic Congress across Kwara state, in adopting me as the consensus governorship candidate of our great party, is deeply humbling and profoundly appreciated.

“I sincerely thank every leader and member of the party for this rare demonstration of trust, unity, and commitment to the collective aspiration of building a better Kwara state anchored on justice, competence, accountability, and people-oriented governance.

“I particularly commend my colleagues within the Kwara leadership structure of the party for their patriotism, maturity, dedication, and genuine love for Kwara State in arriving at this historic consensus.

“Their sacrifices and determination to place the interest of the people above personal ambition have once again shown that ADC remains a party driven by democratic ideals, inclusiveness, and service to humanity.

“I accept this enormous responsibility with utmost humility and a deep sense of duty. I wish to assure all party members and the good people of Kwara state that I shall not betray the confidence bestowed upon me. By the grace of God, and with the collective support of our people, victory is certain.

“I call on all Kwarans and Nigerians who desire genuine change to massively support and vote for all ADC candidates from top to bottom in the forthcoming elections.

“The current economic hardship, suffering, and hopelessness imposed on Nigerians under the administration of the All Progressives Congress can only be reversed through purposeful leadership and people-centered governance.

“Our party stands firmly against godfatherism, political intimidation, and imposed leadership. In ADC, the people remain the center of our democratic process.

“Our members, supporters, and voters are our greatest strength and the premium focus of our attention, as clearly enshrined in democratic principles.

“Together, we shall rescue Kwara state and contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of Nigeria”.