By Felix Umande from Makurdi

Barr. Dr Alex Ter Adum has formally declared his intention to contest the Gwer/Gwer West Federal House of Representatives on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released Tuesday, Adum said his decision followed “deep reflection and careful consideration” and was driven by what he described as “a higher civic obligation, one that seeks to reconcile power with purpose, and office with duty.”

Speaking further, he emphasised, “I do so not merely as a candidate, but as a custodian of higher civic obligation.”

Consequently, he has framed his campaign with an ethical approach to governance saying
“Governance, when stripped of vanity, is an ethical enterprise, a solemn covenant between the state and the citizen, sustained by trust and tested by accountability. It calls not for noise, but for clarity; not for spectacle, but for substance.”

Outlining his legislative philosophy, Adum said his focus would rest on three pillars: legislation, oversight, and representation.

On legislation, he pledged to pursue laws that are “Practical, enforceable, and responsive to the lived realities of our people,” rather than “ornamental verbosity.” He said such laws “drive economic vitality, secure justice, and expand human dignity.”

On oversight, Adum promised diligence and independence, stressing that “Where public trust is vested, scrutiny must follow, not as hostility, but as a sacred duty of stewardship.” He added that accountability “must become routine, not exceptional.”

On representation, he explained, it must go beyond “ceremonial presence” to serving as “a living bridge between the people and power, rooted in listening, responsiveness, and respect.”

Beyond legislative duties, Adum said he would build strategic networks to attract jobs, partnerships, and development initiatives to the constituency, while sustaining “principled and visible advocacy on issues that define our collective future.”

He also pledged to institutionalise accessibility and consistent engagement through regular constituency colloquia, describing them as “open forums for transparency, feedback, and of course correction, where leadership is accountable and progress, it is measurable.”

The aspirant described his declaration as “an invitation to a paradigm shift and a different kind of politics, one that moves from distance to presence, from rhetoric to results, from performance to responsibility.”

“If entrusted with this mandate, I will serve with restraint, clarity, and a deep consciousness of history and duty,” he added.

The Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency seat is currently held by Hon. Dr. Asema Achado of the APC. Adum’s entry signals what is expect

_Idoko kicks off senate bid with ranching proposal, promises grassroots politics as critics call idea ‘outdated’

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Benue South Senatorial aspirant Hon. Patrick Ojechema Idoko has come under mixed reactions after unveiling a goat-rearing empowerment scheme as a flagship constituency project at the launch of his campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.

Idoko, who began a grassroots tour of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, told supporters he would establish a cooperative ranching system to tackle youth unemployment and steer young people away from social vices.

“I will buy plots of land, about the size of this secretariat. We will fence it round and set up a cooperative for the youths,” Idoko said. “We will then buy about 60 to 80 goats. They will divide themselves into ten groups and take turns caring for the goats on a weekly basis.”

He projected rapid growth, adding, “Before the end of the year, they can have up to 10,000 goats. One goat currently costs about ₦100,000. Goats primarily eat grasses. They will have a ranch and a cooperative that will monitor the goats.”

The proposal has sparked debate across Benue South. While some residents acknowledged agriculture’s economic potential, critics dismissed the plan as “outdated and insufficient” given the scale of socio-economic challenges in the district.

“The idea of ranching is not bad, but we need projects that match the realities of 2027. Our youths need tech skills, industries, and access to capital, not just goats,” a resident in Ogbadibo said.

Supporters, however, defended the scheme as practical and sustainable. “Goat farming is big business. If properly managed, it can lift families out of poverty,” another constituent noted.

Idoko formally commenced his bid in Agbafu, his hometown, where he received parental blessings before moving to Aono Ward 3 and later the Ogbadibo Local Government Secretariat. The two-stage declaration at ward and LGA levels was framed as a show of commitment to grassroots-driven politics.

At Aono Ward 3, the ward chairman described Idoko as the sole aspirant from the area and urged party members to rally behind him. “We have a son who understands our needs and has the capacity to deliver,” he said.

Ogbadibo LGA Chairman, Hon. Sunday Ajunwa, also pledged support at the council secretariat. “We are with you all the way. Ogbadibo is ready for representation that works,” Ajunwa stated.

Addressing supporters, Idoko listed infrastructure development, improved healthcare, economic empowerment, and revenue-generating initiatives as his priorities. He promised a campaign “rooted in grassroots engagement and results-driven representation.”

The declaration drew a large turnout, with notable attendees including Chief Daniel Onda, Comrade Iliya Hassan, Hon. Fab Agada, Chief Adoyi, and Mrs. Enayi Ogbe, among others. Supporters said the crowd reflects “growing acceptance” of his ambition in Zone C.

_Ex-AGF emerges unopposed after 3-week screening; co-aspirants pledge loyalty, target Alia’s ouster

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has emerged as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State for the 2027 general elections.

Aondoakaa’s emergence was ratified at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the Makurdi residence of the PDP leader and immediate past governor, Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom on Sunday.

He was picked ahead of 11 other aspirants through a consensus process that was unanimously accepted and affirmed by all his co-contestants.

The selection followed over three weeks of what party leaders described as “meticulous consultations and deliberations” to screen the pool of aspirants.

The process involved the full weight of the party’s leadership, including Chief Ortom; Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro; State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji and the State Exco; the PDP State Assembly Caucus; the G-14 and G-9 group of elders; and other selected stakeholders.

All 10 co-aspirants spoke in affirmation of the outcome and pledged to work for the party’s victory in 2027.

Former Commissioner for Education and 2023 aspirant, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, said although the zoning arrangement “had not gone as he expected,” he accepted the process and pledged support for Aondoakaa.

Two-term member of the Benue State House of Assembly and 2023 aspirant, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, congratulated the candidate and promised to back the party to win the coming polls.

Other aspirants who endorsed the consensus included former NCPC Executive Secretary Revd. Tor Uja; former BSIEC Chairman Dr. Tersoo Loko; legal luminary Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN; international security consultant Dr. Oyije Ogbenjua; Rtd. Naval Commander Ode Ojowu; engineering consultant Engr. Tor Tiv Ato; businessman Simon Ater; and former State Publicity Secretary Chief Bemgba Iortyom, Esq.

In separate remarks, Chief Ortom and Senator Moro commended the aspirants for their “sense of solidarity, selflessness, and loyalty to the party.”

Chief Ortom urged the aspirants to sustain the spirit and “at all times place the interests of the state paramount over all other considerations,” with the main goal of unseating the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027.

He charged Aondoakaa to carry all his co-aspirants along in the composition of his campaign structures and enlist their partnership for victory.

Senator Moro described the process as “necessary, though difficult,” to fulfill the party’s duty of providing leadership for Benue people. He said all PDP faithful and Benue citizens must embrace the mission to “rescue the state from the failed leadership of Governor Alia.”

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to move quickly to close ranks within the party and unite its structures into “a potent force that will flush out the Alia administration from power at the coming elections.”

He thanked the party for the honour of flying the flag of “the most successful political party in the history of Nigeria” and promised to “do the party proud, and give high value to the mandate of the Benue electorate, if voted into power.”