Terver Gbenda, the Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Organisations, has called on youths in Benue South Senatorial District, Zone C, to support and defend the governor ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gbenda said much had been given to youths from the zone through appointments and other opportunities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He therefore urged them to reciprocate by supporting Tinubu and Alia.
Gbenda’s remarks come days after his Otukpo outing sparked reactions from sections of the Benue South youth community. The OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide had demanded an apology from Gbenda over statements attributed to him during the outing, accusing him of making provocative remarks. Gbenda, however, maintained that he did not insult the youths of Zone C, saying his message was directed at those who, according to him, attack or insult the governor.
The governor’s aide further called on youths in the zone to resist anyone who comes to the area to attack or insult Alia. Gbenda predicted a strong performance for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Benue South in 2027, saying the party would win the senatorial, federal constituency and state assembly contests in the zone. He named Francis Ottah, Blessing Onuh, Ojotu Ojema and Anthony Agom among candidates he said would win their respective constituencies.
Gbenda attributed his confidence to what he described as the performance of the Tinubu and Alia administrations. He urged supporters to ensure APC wins from the polling-unit level through the wards and local government areas. His latest comments add another layer to the growing political controversy surrounding his recent activities in Benue South.
Gbenda’s call to action comes shortly after he declared, “No Alia, No Benue,” in a fresh mobilisation message to his supporters. The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Organisations also expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to clear all the House of Representatives seats and the whole House of Assembly members in Zone C.
The OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide had accused Gbenda of making provocative remarks during his recent outing in Otukpo. They demanded an apology from him, which Gbenda has not publicly offered. The development highlights the tensions within Benue South ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbenda’s statements have sparked mixed reactions from various stakeholders in Benue South. While some have lauded his efforts to mobilise support for the APC, others have criticised his approach. The controversy surrounding Gbenda’s recent activities underscores the complexities of Benue State’s politics.
Key points
- Terver Gbenda urges Benue South youths to support and defend Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Gbenda predicts a strong performance for the APC in Benue South, citing the party’s chances of winning major elections in the zone.
- The controversy surrounding Gbenda’s statements highlights tensions within Benue South ahead of the 2027 general elections.
