BLM urges Akume, Ortom to zone 2027 Benue gov'ship to Kwande, cites equity and historical imbalance

By Ebun Akpeno

The Benue Liberation Movement (BLM) has called on key political leaders in the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former Governor Samuel Ortom, to zone the 2027 governorship election to the Kwande axis of the state.

The appeal was made during a press briefing addressed by the group’s leader, Leonard Ikyem, who said the call was driven by the need to ensure fairness, equity, and balanced political representation across Benue’s geopolitical blocs.

“We have gathered here to make a passionate appeal to Benue leaders across political divides on the 2027 Governorship Zoning,” Ikyem stated, noting that the movement is a coalition of members drawn from different political parties in the state.

According to him, after reviewing agitations and arguments from various intermediate areas, including Jechira, Kwande, and Jemgbagh, the group is “convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the Kwande intermediate area has a genuine case.”

The BLM argued that Kwande, which comprises Ushongo and Kwande Local Government Areas, has suffered historical marginalisation, particularly following the truncated tenure of the state’s first civilian governor, the late Aper Aku, who hailed from the area.

“Allowing them to complete the term would be a chance to fulfill the mandate of the people and build on Aku’s legacy,” Ikyem said, adding that similar considerations were extended to the Jechira axis in 2023.

The group further noted that while other geopolitical blocs in Tivland, including Jemgbagh, Sankera, and MINDA, had enjoyed full eight-year tenures, Kwande only produced a governor who served a single four-year term.

“For fairness and equity Kwande axis deserves a chance to lead in 2027. This would promote balance in Benue’s political landscape,” he stated.

The BLM also warned that allowing the Jechira axis to retain power beyond 2027 would further widen the imbalance, pointing out that the area would have accumulated up to 10 years in office compared to Kwande’s four years.

“Since 1983 no Kwande person has ever occupied the number one seat, a period of over forty years,” Ikyem added.

Highlighting the capacity of the people from the area, the group said Kwande boasts individuals with the experience and competence to drive development in the state, potentially surpassing the legacy of past administrations.

“Kwande intermediate area has sons and daughters with the relevant experience and capacity to take Benue State to a higher level,” he said.

The group emphasized that its demand was not driven by ethnic or sectional interests, stressing that none of its members is from the Kwande axis.

“This call is not based on tribal or ethnic sentiments, it is our firm belief that our request will be granted in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice,” Ikyem said.

The BLM concluded that zoning the governorship to Kwande axis in 2027 would not only correct longstanding imbalances but also foster unity, cooperation, and sustainable development across Benue State.