The Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District (Zone A), Sen. Emmanuel Memga Udende, has issued a strong challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Hon. Unongu Thomas Tyolumun, demanding a convincing record of experience and leadership before any aspiring senator can represent the district in the National Assembly.
According to Udende, the legacy of former representatives in the district sets a high standard that any candidate must meet. He highlighted the district’s history of having senators and prominent personalities with established professional and political backgrounds who have served the people effectively at the National Assembly. Udende specifically referenced former senators Suemo Chia, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Prof. David Iormem, Prof. Daniel Saror, Joseph Akaagerger, Barnabas Gemade, and former Governor Gabriel Suswam, all of whom contributed to the district’s development before his emergence in 2023.
The APC Senator further argued that Zone A is bigger than any individual and requires a leader capable of addressing the district’s political, economic, and developmental interests. He questioned Unongu’s readiness for the position, describing him as too young for such a significant responsibility.
The remarks come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Sen. Udende representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Hon. Unongu Thomas Tyolumun emerging as the PDP’s flag bearer in the contest for Benue North-East Senatorial District.
The developing political contest is expected to place the candidates’ experience, leadership records, policy priorities, and capacity to represent the people at the centre of public debate as voters prepare to decide who will represent Zone A in the next Senate.
