The group which is made up of the Kwande intermediate area, comprising Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Government Areas (LGAs ) of the state, is insisting that it produce the next governor of the state, instead of allowing the state Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, contest for another term.

The implication of that desire is that the Kwande intermediate area, will be coming out against the Jechira block, particularly, the Kunav extraction, where the State Governor, Rev Fr Alia, comes from.

Recall that ahead of the primaries for the 2023 governorship race, on the decision on which LGA produces the governorship race, the Kwande intermediate group lost to the Jechira block by the skin of the teeth.

Therefore, Kwande that has always laid claim that it produces the governor, since the administration of a former governor of Benue state, Pa Aper Aku, a son on the Kwande was truncated by the military in 1983.

During a press conference held in Makurdi, on Thursday, Leonard Ikyem, the Convener of MAKGA, said, “We, the offspring of the dynamic, patriotic and progressive people of the Kwande intermediate area, comprising Kwande and Ushongo LGAs of Benue state, wish to inform the good people of Benue of our desire to renew the Governorship ambition of the Kwande people in 2027.

“As we are all aware, the democratic process in Nigeria will open another chapter in 2027 with fresh opportunities and we intend to mobilize our people to step forward and explore this new frontier.

“Please mark this – Kwande still has another big pleasant surprise for Benue people. We wish to stress that the Kwande governorship agenda, which is predicated on a solid desire to offer unequalled service delivery, predated and transcends individuals and groups.

We, the members of this movement, have not embarked on a new exercise – we only seek to complete an assignment that is yet to be realized.

The basis and arguments upon which our people canvassed for the highest elective position in our state, which, unfortunately, could not be realized in 2023, still remain valid”, he emphasized.

Furthermore, Ikyem stated that “The basis and arguments upon which our people canvassed for the highest elective position in our state, which, unfortunately, could not be realized in 2023, still remain valid.

“One of such is that the Kwande intermediate area has established a tradition of selfless, committed and dedicated service to the people of the state in all areas of life.

“We wish to assure the Benue people that if given another opportunity, a Kwande indigene with the requisite cognate qualifications, experience and capacity, (and many of such abound) will not only sustain that tradition but surpass the yet to be matched milestones achieved by Governor Apollos Aper Aku of blessed memory.

“‘Each generation must discover its mission, betray or accomplish it,’ says a prominent philosopher. We have chosen to accomplish our mission.”

According to the Convener of the group, “We reiterate that as the offsprings of very confident patriots, who have offered the ultimate sacrifice several times and also offered proven and undeniable quality service to the state, we feel Benue would reckon with these and also reciprocate by giving us another opportunity.

The greatest security challenges confronting the state today remind us that Kwande once made solid contributions to the survival of inhabitants of the Benue valley by providing a platform and rallying support that repelled deadly marauders in the past. That victory can be consolidated.

“It is our conviction that the painful divisions, unnecessary polarization in the polity, the acrimony and bitterness with us in the state today are all signs that Benue has been waiting for Kwande. Believe us, Kwande is also ready with the recipe.

“We hereby solicit the support of the Benue electorate as we embark on this noble democratic quest to sustain and actualize our ambition,” he stated unequivocally.

https://independent.ng/benue-kwandes-guber-movement-will-challenge-gov-alia-come-2027/