By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
A group under the auspices of Kwande United Front for Democracy (FUFOD) has declared that the House of Representatives seat for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency should go to Ushongo local government area in the 2027 general elections.
The group whose position was presented through its spokesperson, Engineer Isaac Iyorhen, during a press conference held Weekend in Makurdi, at Benue Hotels and Resort backed their demand on the basis that the seat has traditionally been shared between Kwande and Ushongo Local government areas in an alternating pattern.
He noted that Kwande LGA has had three consecutive terms, which is against the unwritten political understanding between the two LGAs, arguing that the group believed is Ushongo LGA’s turn to hold the seat in 2027.
Iyorhen emphasized the importance of equity and justice in the sharing of the seat, citing the Tiv cultural principle of “gba-Aondo” and the historical principle of “ya na angbian” or “chop and give to your brother in his due season.”
He urged Kwande LGA to “hands off” the contest, allowing Ushongo LGA to take the seat without opposition.
Iyorhen instead stated that the candidate from Ushongo LGA should possess excellence in merit, character, and proven integrity in leadership, expressing confidence that Ushongo LGA will produce a worthy candidate to represent the constituency effectively.
Iyorhen expressed optimism that with the support the people of Kwande and approval of the gods, the 2027 House of Representatives seat is “a done deal” for Ushongo LGA.
Also speaking, convener of the Kwande United Front for Democracy, KUFOD, Dr. John Ahile, insisted that people of Ushongo LGA deserves to take a shot at National Assembly come 2027,
for equity, fairness, and justice.
The group’s convener stated that the current power rotation imbalance, where Kwande has held the seat for 20 out of 28 years since 1999, is antithetical to the Tiv principle of “ya na angbian” and democratic values.
Ahile while highlighting the historical power rotation pattern, insisted that Ushongo has been marginalized in the process, pointing out that Kwande has had an unfair advantage, with only 8 years of representation for their Ushongo brothers.
The group convener urged Kwande brothers to yield to Ushongo’s rightful turn in 2027, citing moral duty and the need to correct the imbalance.
The group also supports the notion that the Zone A Senate seat should be a moral preserve of Kwande people to maintain balance and fairness, calling on men of goodwill to join their patriotic call for ideal representation in 2027, seeking candidates with proven character, credible personality, and selfless dedication to democracy.
He urged Kwande/Ushongo brothers to work together in unity for development, peace and prosperity, equally emphasizing the importance of trust in those they would select for leadership as democracy is more meaningful on mutual trust.
