2027: Battle for Benue Northwest Senatorial Zone seat

Benue North West Senatorial zone, also known as Zone B, comprises seven local government areas: Makurdi, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Tarka, Gboko, and Buruku.

This zone is a strategic political bloc, with its senatorial headquarters located in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Several political heavyweights have represented this zone in the Senate, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume; the late Senator KJN Waku, Senator Fred Orti, Senator Joseph  Adagba, Senator Oker Jev, and the current Senator, Chief Titus Tartenger Zam.

Notably, the party that wins Benue Zone B often secures the governorship elections, making the 2027 elections highly competitive.

Several aspirants have thrown their hats into the Zone B senatorial race.

Among them is Chief Dave Awuna, son of the late educationalist and colourful politician, Chief Padopads Awuna.

Awuna, who recently served as Nigeria Scout Commissioner, is gradually gaining popularity among the electorate in Benue North West Senatorial zone.

He expressed his intention to end the persistent farmers-herders clashes and transform the zone into a food production hub.

“You know part of the Benue North West zone is located on the bank of River Benue, that is Gwer West, Makurdi, and Guma, with massive farming activities going on throughout the year.

However, it has not promoted joy but sadness due to the farmers-herders clash. I will collaborate with the state and federal governments to put an end to the crises,” he said.

Awuna emphasized the need for synergy between the Governor and Senator, as they cannot afford to work in isolation.

Having consulted widely in the seven local government areas,  Awuna is receiving great attention and is favoured by zoning.

Contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and being on good terms with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, puts him in a strong position.

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Another strong aspirant is Barr. Emmanuel Jime, former Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly.

For eight-years, he represented Makurdi-Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Jime, a former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council and Chief Executive of Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), is bringing a huge financial war chest and grassroots experience to the race.

He has empowered many youths and provided employment opportunities, endearing himself to the people. Jime is contesting on the APC platform, leveraging his connection with the governor.

Dr. Steven Hwande, the Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), is another prominent aspirant.

Despite government restrictions, Dr. Hwande has successfully carried out consultations across the Benue North West Senatorial zone, garnering significant support.

As CMD of BSUTH, he has made a lasting impact by employing over 200 youths, upgrading the hospital, and putting it on the international map.

His performance has positioned him as a leading contender for the senatorial seat.

Hwande has turned Benue State University Teaching Hospital into medical tourism.  He met a dilapidated hospital but within a twinkle of an eye change and upgraded it to international standard.

He employed over 200 staff with state- of -the art medical equipment.

Hwande is a team player and all leading stakeholders in the zone are behind him .

Chief Titus Zam is the incumbent Senator repressing Benue Zone B

You can’t rule out an incumbent in any election.

Zam has made it clear that he is seeking a second term , as such he cannot be a push over.

As the 2027 general elections approach, more aspirants are likely to join the race.

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