Frontline contender for the Benue State governorship seat, Hon. Joseph Waya, has formally picked up his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Hon. Waya, who hails from Vandikya Local Government Area, said his decision to contest is driven by the urgent need to restore accountability, unity, and results-driven governance to Benue State. He described the current political trajectory in Benue as a moment that demands experienced and credible leadership.
“I am in this race to deliver on the BENUE MUST WORK mandate. Benue cannot afford another four years of trial and error. I will use the remaining 4 years to lay the foundation for a Benue that works for farmers, traders, students, and every ordinary citizen,” Waya stated.
A Campaign Built on Unity and Respect
Hon. Waya said his campaign will be different from the politics of division that has weakened Benue for a generation.
“I am seeking to lead a people. All of them – including those who will not vote for me, including those who support the current governor, including those who disagree with my policies,” he said.
“A man who abuses his way to Government House has already told you something important about how he will govern. I have chosen differently. Not because I lack the words, but because I have thought carefully about the kind of politics that builds a state and the kind that destroys one.”
He stressed that unity is the foundation of recovery for Benue.
“I am acutely aware that the people I seek to lead must be united if Benue is to recover. Division is not a strategy. It is the disease that has kept this state weak for a generation, weak enough to be exploited by the same governing class that has impoverished it.”
“I do not seek to divide and conquer. I seek to persuade and win over. I seek a Benue in which people who currently disagree become partners in the work of rebuilding, because they have been treated with enough respect and honesty to change their minds rather than enough pressure to change their behaviour.”
A Prepared Campaign with a Written Plan
Unlike rhetorical campaigns built on criticism, Hon. Waya came prepared with a detailed, written manifesto titled *“BENUE MUST WORK.”* The document outlines his policy direction, targets, and timelines across security, agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure.
He also presented a companion document detailing how each promise will be funded.
“We are not running on hope or waiting on the federation account. My plan shows exactly how we will raise revenue internally, block leakages, attract private investment, and partner with development agencies to fund every commitment,” he said.
A Proven Record and Clear Plan
This is not Hon. Waya’s first outing on the ballot. He contested the 2023 governorship election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he built a reputation for issue-based campaigning and grassroots engagement.
His 2027 agenda is anchored on seven key promises, consolidated into three core pillars:
Security and Rule of Law
Restoring peace to rural communities and ensuring that farmers can return safely to their lands.
*Economic Revival and Job Creation*
Revitalizing agriculture, supporting SMEs, and creating opportunities for Benue’s youth through practical investment in production and processing.
Unity and Inclusive Governance
Building a Benue where every zone, ethnic group, and political interest has a voice in decision-making and a stake in the state’s progress.
An Intellectual, Practical Campaign
Hon. Waya said he has chosen to run an intellectual, yet practical campaign focused on issues and solutions.
“I engage issues, not individuals. I attack policies, not persons. I identify problems and propose solutions rather than identifying opponents and hurling abuse. I do not traffic in the kind of vitriolic, demeaning, unprintable attacks on personal character that some of my competitors seem to regard as the natural language of politics.”
Commitment to Open Primaries and Internal Democracy
Hon. Waya reiterated that his campaign stands for an open, credible primary process where every ADC member has a say. He stressed that the party’s governorship ticket must be won at the primaries, in line with the ADC constitution and Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The ADC belongs to all its members, not to backroom deals. The people of Benue deserve a choice, and I am confident that when given a level playing field, they will choose competence and character,” he said.
The Path Forward
With the picking of his forms, Hon. Joseph Waya’s campaign moves into full gear, positioning him as one of the most visible and consistent voices calling for a new direction in Benue politics.
He called on ADC members, stakeholders, and the general public to support a process that prioritizes merit, inclusivity, and the collective interest of Benue people.
Signed:
Media Office of Hon. Joseph Waya
ADC Governorship Aspirant, Benue State
Written by Imo Kelvin Aor
