…Relinquishes Senatorial Bid to Apa/Agatu Axis
…Passes Vote of Confidence on Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu as Leader
The African Democratic Party (ADC), Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, on Sunday 16th November 2025, held a crucial stakeholders’ meeting at Benue Metropolitan Hotel, Makurdi, where strategic decisions aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections were reached.
Welcoming members, Rt. Hon. Egbiri Idaah thanked God for His grace and appreciated party faithful for their unwavering commitment. He noted that the meeting was convened to strengthen party cohesion and deepen membership consciousness to ensure ADC remains a formidable political force.
In his remarks, the Protem State Secretary of ADC and leader of the party in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chief Samson Okwu, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their impressive turnout despite the short notice. He emphasized the urgency of setting a clear direction for the Igede nation within the newly strengthened opposition party.
According to him, “As we work towards victory in 2027, there must be clarity on what Ol’Igede wants from the party. Whatever position is agreed upon will be pursued with renewed vigour.” He added that wider consultations across Zone C remain essential because “politics cannot be played in isolation.”
Speaking on the political history of the zone, Chief Ode Ageh lamented the decline of Igede influence in state politics since 2007, regretting that no Igede person has ever occupied the Senate or Governorship seat. He therefore proposed that the Igede nation prioritize the State Chairmanship of ADC as a realistic pathway to greater political relevance.
Other speakers — including Barr. Sunday Egbodo, Mr. Egoman Ogbu (representing Engr. Morgan Okwoche), Chief Linus Okwute, Hon. Egbe Ola, Hon. Agnes Erebe, and Hon. Evelyn Okwe — aligned with the need for unity. While acknowledging that only two major positions (Senate and Party Chairmanship) are realistically available, the majority argued for prioritizing the party chairmanship position.
Hon. Godwin Owulo strongly backed the chairmanship quest, citing the Igede people’s experiences in previous party structures, while Hon. John Ode urged extending consultations to the Apa/Agatu axis to secure wider support.
Resolutions
After extensive deliberations, the meeting unanimously resolved as follows:
1. Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu remains the undisputed leader of ADC in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, with a vote of confidence moved by Barr. Sunday Egbodo and seconded by Barr. Oji Egwu.
2. The Igede nation will collaborate with the Apa/Agatu axis toward the emergence of a credible candidate from either area for the Benue South Senatorial seat in 2027.
3. Igede nation will pursue the State Chairmanship position of ADC, while graciously relinquishing the senatorial bid to Apa/Agatu, with the understanding that they will reciprocate support for the Igede quest for party chairmanship.
4. ADC leaders condemned divisive tendencies and pull-him-down politics, resolving to embrace unity and collective progress.
5. Other political parties (APC, PDP, etc.) were urged to demonstrate genuine commitment to Igede development by attracting visible democratic dividends beyond rhetoric.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu thanked stakeholders for their confidence and pledged to justify their trust, leveraging his experience, networks, and strategic position in the party. He called for unity and renewed commitment to the progress of both ADC and the Igede nation.
Attendance
Among those in attendance were:
Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu
Rt. Hon. Egbiri Idah
Engr. Morgan Okwuche (represented)
Chief Godwin Owulo
Hon. Agnes Erebe
Hon. Evelyn Okwe
Barr. Sunday Egbodo
Chief Odeh Ageh
Dr. Dennis Eka
Hon. Oga Ogbale
Hon. Bulus Ikpechi
Hon. Egbe Ola
Hon. John Odeh
Hon. Achor Ojite
Hon. Solomon Ejira
Hon. Nathaniel Aleje
Hon. Jacob Akpa
Hon. Ogwuche Imoha
Chief Linus Okwute
Hon. Isaac Odang Ogbu
Hon. Otor Onda
Hon. Mathilda Agbinya
Barr. Oji Egwu
Hon. Austin Iji
Hon. Peter Onyekpere
Mr. Onah Ejekpa
Hon. Jacob Akpa
Hon. Ogwuche Imoha
Chief Linus Okwute
Hon. Isaac Odang Ogbu
Hon. Otor Onda
Hon. Mathilda Agbinya
Barr. Oji Egwu
Hon. Austin Iji
Hon. Peter Onyekpere
Mr. Onah Ejekpa
Hon. Jacob Ogilegwu
