By Felix Umande from Makurdi

A leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial hopeful, Hon. Thomas Tyolumun Unongo, on Saturday secured the endorsement and traditional blessing of elders in his home community, Kendev Tiev, Turan, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Describing the moment as “significant and defining” in the race for Zone A, Unongo said the elders, whom he called “revered custodians of our tradition and values”, charged him with the responsibility to “go forth and bring the senatorial seat back home to Turan.”

The solemn, symbolic gathering took place on 12th April 2026, according to a statement issued by the aspirant. He framed the endorsement not as a personal honour but as “a call to service, a mandate rooted in trust, unity, and the shared aspirations of our people.”

“I accept this responsibility with deep humility and unwavering commitment,” Unongo stated. “I am inspired by the confidence reposed in me and strengthened by the belief that together, we can restore effective representation, attract meaningful development, and amplify the voice of Zone A at the national level.”

Outlining his pitch to the electorate, the PDP aspirant pledged to run a campaign “anchored on integrity, accessibility, and people-centred policies,” adding that the journey belongs to “every son and daughter of Turan, every community across Zone A, and every stakeholder who desires progress, equity, and inclusive governance.”

He called on party faithful, supporters, and residents of Zone A to “rally behind this vision,” noting that “with your support, your prayers, and your active participation, victory is not just possible, it is certain.”

Unongo, who described himself as a “foremost senatorial aspirant” for Zone A under the PDP, closed his statement with a rallying call: “Let us move forward together to reclaim our mandate and build a brighter future for our people.”

Press Icon newspaper recalls that the significance of the blessing and endorsement may stem from the fact that two of the late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unogo’s sons, Hon. Thomas Tyolumun and Hon. Fidelis Msughter are gunning for the same senatorial race, come 2027.

Terkura Vande From Makurdi

An aspirant for the Makurdi/Guma, Federal constituency of the House of Representatives, HOR, for 2027, Dr Iorwakwagh Apera, has been endorsed by the Nongov community in Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue state.

The community which stated that the Nongov people have never had a full shot at the position, since the seat was created in 1999, described the aspirant as the darling of the Nongov people.

In an unanimous decision reached at the
Makurdi residence of Chief Ayôôsu Bem, all the four clans in Nongov comprising Saghev, Nzorov, Kaambe and Abinsi, gave Apera, their blessings to run for the position.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Apera, a seasoned development expert who has delivered several large scale national and international sustainable community social developments, promised effective representation to the people of the constituency, if elected into the HoR, in the 2027 election.

Apera, also pledged that as part of his legislative functions, he would provide practical solutions and representation, economic empowerment for the youths and women, and ensure security and stability as well as infrastructural development for the people of his constituency.

Benjamin Iwan, President of Nongov Community, called on the people of Nongov to embrace unity and political inclusiveness.

While cautioning against politics of conflict and division, he expressed the belief that the candidature of Dr Apera for House of Representatives, would act as a bridge to bring Nongov people together for a common cause.

All the speakers including elders commended Dr Apera for the bold step to contest for the House of Representatives, describing the move as timely and needful.

Terkura Vande From Makurdi

The Forum of former South-East Governors has thrown their weight behind the candidature of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the re-election of the president in 2027.

The Forum, is also expected to provide advisory support to incumbent governors in the region on critical zonal and national issues, while fostering unity across political party lines in the region.

Former Governor of Ebonyi State, and now Minister of Works, David Umahi, who announced this and the creation of the Forum, explained that the forum was conceived after hours of deliberations on Tuesday.

In a Communiqué read at the end of a high-level meeting in Enugu, Umahi, said, several former governors were unable to attend the inaugural meeting due to medical and official engagements.

He however noted that the forum endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, applauding his administration’s appointments of South-East indigenes and ongoing infrastructural projects in the region.

In his words, he said “We boldly state that we are supporting Mr. President’s re-election. This is a strategic decision, and we will continue to support him in this regard.”

The Minister, noted that even though, not all the former governors were present at the inaugural meeting, he was optimistic that attendance at subsequent meetings of the forum would improve.

Apart from Umahi, former governors that graced the occasion were, Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia state; Chris Ngige, Anambra state; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu state; Ebonyi state, Sullivan Chime, Enugu state, and Martin Elechi, Ebonyi state.

Umahi said, “You must have been wondering what is going on, what was going on, and is still going on, and it is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors.

“By our next meeting, we are confident that over 90 percent of the former governors of the South-East will be in attendance.

“The forum shall be open to all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, who have served in the South-East.

“We commend the great work that the current governors of the South-East are doing for the benefit of our people”, Umahi stated .

The Minister also commended the performance of current governors in the region, praising their efforts in infrastructural development, empowerment programmes, and security.

He revealed that the forum would, within the next two weeks, convene a broader meeting expected to include almost all the former governors, as part of efforts to consolidate its agenda and influence.

The minister noted that members of the forum are also expected to pay a courtesy visit to the Enugu state Governor, to relay their resolutions to the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and facilitate a formal engagement with other serving governors.