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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State has inaugurated a nine-member strategic committee charged with identifying and recommending a suitable running mate for its governorship candidate, Rt Hon Herman Hembe, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee was constituted following a letter from Hembe to the party’s national and state leadership, announcing the formation of the body to assist in selecting a deputy governorship candidate.
According to the letter, the committee is expected to submit its report on or before 20 June 2026.
Members of the committee include Engr Okpe Onah, Senator Orker Jev, AVM Steve Onuh, Mrs Rose Ameh, Barr Ogah Okwu, Prof David Salifu, Hon Jack Mulya, Mrs Abeje Egwa and Hon Alex Igwe.
During the inauguration, the state chairman of the party, Samson Okwu, represented by the ADC Secretary, Peter Chirzenden, commended members of the committee for honouring the invitation and described their attendance as a demonstration of commitment to the growth and success of the party.
He noted that the ADC’s core objective remains bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people through policies that promote development and good governance.
Chirzenden recalled that the party recently concluded its primaries across the state, producing candidates for various elective positions, including Mr Herman Hembe as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
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He explained that the committee members were carefully selected based on their integrity, experience and previous contributions to the party, expressing confidence in their ability to recommend a credible and widely acceptable running mate.
The ADC Secretary urged the committee to conduct its assignment transparently and in line with democratic principles by consulting stakeholders across the state and considering zoning arrangements where necessary.
He said: “We cannot impose a running mate on the people. The democratic process requires consultation and engagement with stakeholders. We expect this committee to interact with party leaders and members at the grassroots and identify a candidate who will strengthen the party and contribute meaningfully to governance.”
Chirzenden further charged the committee to place the overall interest of the party above personal considerations and ensure that the eventual recommendation enhances the ADC’s chances in the 2027 governorship race.
Responding, the committee chairman, Okpe Onah, thanked the leadership of the party for finding the members worthy of the responsibility and pledged to work diligently and objectively to identify a running mate capable of complementing the governorship candidate and attracting broad support across the state.
He said the committee understands the importance of the assignment and would devote the necessary time and effort to ensure that the party presents a formidable ticket for the 2027 election.
The ADC Chairman for Zone C, Mrs Abeje Egwa, expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee members and assured party stakeholders that the committee would not disappoint but would deliver a recommendation that would produce an acceptable and credible running mate for the party’s governorship candidate.
