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The Jembagh All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus and Elders Forum has officially declared its full support for the Kwande geopolitical bloc to produce the next Governor of Benue State in 2027, endorsing Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima as its preferred candidate.
The forum, led by Elder Begha Nyamikyume and comprising key APC stakeholders from Gboko, Tarkaa, and Buruku Local Government Areas, stated that its decision aligns with mounting calls from the Kwande axis for equity, fairness, and inclusive leadership in the state. It further noted that the position is guided by the leadership direction of the APC leader in Benue and North-Central Nigeria, Senator Dr. George Akume, whose judgment and political wisdom the group holds in high esteem.
The endorsement was formally announced on December 30, 2025, during a consultative visit by Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq., MON, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, who is aspiring to contest the 2027 governorship election on the APC platform.
Addressing the forum, Dr. Akutah highlighted the long-standing historical and political alliance between the Kwande and Jembagh people, emphasizing that the partnership has consistently delivered mutual developmental benefits and strengthened unity across Benue State. He commended the Jembagh people for their unwavering support of the Kwande bloc through platforms such as the Jembagh Development Association and other stakeholder groups.
Dr. Akutah explained that following the earlier endorsement of his aspiration by the Kwande Intermediate Area and affirmation by Kwande elders, it became necessary to formally notify the Jembagh Caucus of his intention to contest and to seek their blessings. He pledged to run an inclusive government if elected, with particular attention to senior citizens and critical stakeholders, while reaffirming his deep respect for Senator George Akume, whom he described as a father and mentor.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Basil Yina, Elder Bende Iyolna, and Elder Augustine Tse thanked Dr. Akutah for the courtesy visit and advised him to maintain a cordial relationship with Senator Akume, whom they described as a peaceful leader committed to national service and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The caucus formally granted Dr. Akutah its blessings and urged him to intensify consultations across the Jembagh axis, expressing strong confidence in his political prospects.
In further demonstration of his growing statewide momentum, Dr. Timothy Aikor, Dr. Bem Dzoho, and Hon. Tsenongo Abancha all spoke in support of the widespread endorsements Dr. Akutah’s governorship ambition has continued to attract across Benue State.
The development signals a significant boost for Dr. Akutah’s candidacy as the race for the 2027 Benue governorship begins to take shape within the APC.
