25/03/2026
NewsImpact.com. /ASPIRANTS IN THE NEWS
FIVE SENATORIAL ASPIRANTS, ONE FLAG BEARER: HOW THEY STAND IN THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE
NewsImpact.com have delved into the heart of a highly contentious but interesting senatorial zones in Benue State; the Benue South Senatorial District and look into the profile of the aspirants under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Senate seat, their political journey and how they currently stand.
First of all, let it be understood that Idoma and Igede form the major ethnic blocks in Benue South, with the Zone further divided into old Oju, old Otukpo and old Okpokwu basically for political convenient. Out of these three divisions, old Oju which comprised of Igede ethnic nationality is the only block without a shot at the Senate seat.
For decades, nobody has won a senatorial election in Zone C without a victory from Oju and Obi Local Government Areas. But each time, Igede people showed interest on the seat, they are oppressed and pressed down. 2027 is therefore seen as the only chance for Igede people based on the promised by the incumbent, Senator Abba Moro to hand over to an Igede man.
However, his recent body language has been seen as tactical change of mind. For that reason, Igede people have vowed, according to report that they would vote only for someone with their full interest in mind.
According to our findings, more than five aspirants are jostling for the ticket of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Most of these aspirants are known political figures, some of who have contested before while one or two are new entrance.
In this analysis, however, NewsImpact.com take a look at the chances of the aspirants under the platform of the APC: Hon Joe Ojobo, Hon Chief Nelson Alapa (PhD), Hon Francis Ottah Agbo, Mr Daniel Onjeh, Dr Patrick Idoko Ojecheme, and of course, Dr David Olofu of ADC. We also look at how they will handle the interest of Igede people. It is a product of thorough research through information from people at the grassroots and interview from staunch political figures. We have done this without bias but with a view to giving the voters the window to make their choices as it is best for them and their Zone.
THE ASPIRANTS
- HON JOE OJOBO
Joe Ojobo is from Ogbadibo Local Government Area. He once served as Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council. Ojobo was also a two term member of the Benue State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Today, Hon Joe Ojobo has jumped political party and he is contesting under the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC.). It was alleged that his frosty relationship with senator Abba Moro from his federal constituency has informed his departure to APC. Ojobo is described by one political analyst as one of the perennial contestants, but a serial loser.
VERDICT
Joe Ojobo is a humble individual with youthful advantage to himself. Unfortunately, the current occupant of Zone C Senatorial seat is from his federal constituency of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo. Transiting the Senate seat within a federal constituency from one person to another is not the ideal way. Ojobo has connection to Igede people but that connection is considered not solid enough to strengthen his Victory
- DR DAVID OLOFU
David Olofu is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning from 2015-2023 under the government of Samuel Ortom. He served also as Senior Technical Adviser (Fiscal Policy) to the Nigeria Governor's Forum. Apart from that he is not known to have heald any political office through election. But under the government of the former governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, he was a notable figure, managing the financial politics of the governor.. He is contesting under ADC.
VERDICT
David Olofu's role in the financial dealings in Benue State, when workers or civil servants were not paid several months of salary is a serious minus. Under the leadership of Governor Samuel Ortom, billions of naira were taken in loans, all supervised by David Olofu, yet there is no tangible capital project in his constituency. He could not influence the governor to do a little project in his area. His performance was so abysmal that there is a doubt if the people of Zone C will ever entrust him with a position as important as the Senate.
- HON CHIEF NELSON ALAPA (PHD)
Hon Chief Nelson Alapa (PhD) was a Minority Leader st the House of Representatives, and by extension, the leader of the opposition Party at the highest level. Till date Nelson Alapa is the oldest APC member in Zone C. He remains a strong member of APC and was there when things were very hard for the opposition in Benue State.
As a House of Representatives member under the opposition political party then, he opened up his constituency to the outside world. He consciously partnered with the then ruling Party in the State, led by Dr Gabriel Suswam to construct roads in his constituency. He virtually let the people know that there is money at the national assembly at the time when their representatives were hiding.
Alapa is one of the standout contestants for the Benue South Senatorial District election under the
VERDICT
Hon Chief Nelson Alapa is known for high level of humility which has earned him wide grassroots support across Zone C. In addition, Alapa is considered to be a unifying figure between Igede people and the rest of Benue South. If APC will ever win the election, the right person to do that for them is Dr Nelson Alapa. With the cry of marginalization from Igede axis, Alapa, whose mother is from Igede seems to appeal to the people better. His connection with the grassroots right from the time he was a Minority Leader in the House of Representatives is said to be very strong. As an Otukpo born man whose mother is from Igede nation, he can exploit this sentiment to his advantage. Alapa is said to have been feared by the camp of Abba Moro. A source within Abba Moro camp revealed that Alapa is the only one standing between him and the National Assembly. APC is projected to win the election if Alapa is picked as the party's flag bearer.
- HON FRANCIS OTTAH AGBO
Francis Ottah Agbo is a seasoned journalist and media practitioner. Also, he is a former member of House of Representatives, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly. He is the Benue State coordinator. Francis Ottah Agbo is considered a philanthropist, though most of his givings were not known. He is contesting under APC.
VERDICT
He has been doing well. He has done some fine stuff as House of Representatives member for four years, but if Zone C Senatorial District wants to move forward, he is not the right man for the Job
- MR DANIEL ONJEH
Daniel Onjeh is a former student union leader. He hails from Ogbadibo Local Government Area. He was born on 13th December, 1973, in Orokam. His notable political engagements were President, West African Students Union and the National Association of Nigerian Students.. Onjeh is more or less a unionist rather than a politician. Though, President Buhari appointed him as Board Chairman, Project Development Institute (PRODA) where he made his money and established some connections. Unfortunately, he used the office to fight national assembly members, including the then speaker, Femi Gbajamiola. He therefore left in an acrimonious way from the office. Daniel Onjeh has once or twice contested for Benue South Senatorial election and lost in all occasions. He is contesting under APC.
VERDICT
Onjeh's stubborn disposition towards elders and everyone is likely going to affect his chances. This made him to depart his post unceremoniously. Many people from Igede axis consider him to be arrogant and proud. This was the reason why he lost election two times. Unless he learns to humble himself and respect the older political figures, his chances are very slimmed.
- DR PATRICK IDOKO OJECHEME
Dr Patrick Idoko Ojecheme is a renowned cardiologist working at the federal medical center Makurdi and Jos. Dr Idoko has dedicated his career to providing medical services to humanity. In Benue Medical field, Dr Idoko is a trusted person by medical practitioners who believe in his professional knowledge.
VERDICT
Dr Idoko Ocheme is considered to be a very good individual, who is easy going and good in his area of profession. However, he is not politically tested. So far, he is not making strong enroute into the heart of Igede nation who are said to have been dissatisfied with the neglect by other part of Zone C. Though, he is a good man, he is not likely going to receive enough support to win him a ticket. Again, he is not seen as someone who has the political muscles to defeat Abba Moro in the general election
