The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election in Benue State. The list features 12 governorship candidates representing different political parties. The candidates and their running mates have been officially recorded in the INEC document, which includes details such as age, gender, and educational qualifications. This marks a significant step in the electoral process, as the candidates prepare for the upcoming election.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is among the candidates listed. He will run alongside Samuel Ode as his deputy governorship candidate. Alia's inclusion on the final list comes amid controversy surrounding the Benue APC and political disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC is one of the major political parties in the state, and Alia's candidacy is expected to be a significant factor in the election.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nominated Michael Kaase Aondoakaa as its governorship candidate. He is listed as 64 years old, with Ogbenjuwa Oyije as his running mate. Aondoakaa's qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, WASC, and an LL.B degree. The PDP is another major political party in Benue State, and Aondoakaa's candidacy is expected to be a strong challenge to the APC.
The list also includes candidates from other political parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Labour Party (LP). Herman Iorwase Hembe of the ADC is 51 years old, with Abba John Abba as his running mate. Nyibiam Kwaghshir of the ADP is 44 years old, with Abu Adanu as his deputy governorship candidate. Byuan Mathias Terwase of the LP is 51 years old, with Obetta Juliana as his running mate.
Other candidates on the list include Ujah Mercy Engole of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Ochenehi Dominic of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), and Shija Terhemba of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Ujah Mercy Engole is 43 years old, with Gwanger Samuel Kavenen as her running mate. Ochenehi Dominic is 44 years old, with Omeji Ochoechi as his deputy governorship candidate. Shija Terhemba is 65 years old, with Edoh Raymond as his deputy governorship candidate.
The INEC list also features Roseline Ada Chenge of the People's Redemption Party (PRP) and Simon Ocheme Ogbe of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Roseline Ada Chenge is 55 years old, with Emmanuel Gwaza as her deputy governorship candidate. Simon Ocheme Ogbe is 35 years old, with Robert Gboko as his running mate. The inclusion of these candidates on the final list brings to 12 the number of parties fielding candidates for the election.
The final list of candidates sets the stage for a competitive election in Benue State. The candidates will now begin their campaigns, presenting their policy priorities and electoral strategies to the voters. The election is scheduled to take place on February 6, 2027, and INEC has assured Nigerians of a free and fair electoral process.
Key points
- The INEC has released a final list of 12 governorship candidates for the February 6, 2027 election in Benue State.
- Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC and Michael Kaase Aondoakaa of the PDP are among the major candidates.
- The candidates and their running mates have been officially recorded in the INEC document, which includes details such as age, gender, and educational qualifications.
