Akutah meets APC Benue South leaders in Abuja, receives Elders’ endorsement for 2027 governorship bid

By Benedicta Aboh

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, widely regarded as a leading contender in the 2027 Benue State governorship race, on Saturday met with leaders and members of the APC Benue South Progressive Forum in Abuja.

The Forum, according to a statement by the Media Aide of the Executive Secretary, Solomon Amanda, which comprises senior government officials, party leaders, business executives and captains of industry, draws its membership from the nine Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue South Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone C.

In his welcome remarks, the group’s leader, Chief Sylvester Ameh, the Ojebo Ki'Idoma, expressed delight in receiving Dr. Akutah. He reiterated that the APC in Benue South remains firmly aligned with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Chief Ameh stressed that the forum has consistently supported candidates endorsed by Senator Akume and would maintain that tradition as the 2027 elections draw near.

He decried what he described as the absence of the Benue State Government’s presence in the zone, especially in infrastructure and capital development. He, however, commended the “visible and impactful projects” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Benue South and pledged that the forum would mobilize support for the President’s reelection to ensure continuity of his development initiatives.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Benue South APC Elders Council, Chief Agbo Ogah, said the APC across Benue State and Zone C had reorganized itself to rally behind Senator Akume. He noted that the elders were open to supporting Dr. Akutah in his mission to “salvage the rot in Benue State,” urging him to broaden consultations across political lines so that his message of hope resonates widely.

Responding, Dr. Akutah thanked leaders of both the Progressive Forum and the Elders Council for engaging with him. He declared that he had answered the call of the Benue people and was fully prepared to contest the 2027 governorship election.

According to him, Benue now requires a leader with administrative capacity, a deep understanding of government processes, and strong grounding in public policy. He added that the 2027 elections present a crucial opportunity for citizens to correct what he described as the “mistakes of 2023.”

Dr. Akutah urged the Benue South leadership to hold political actors accountable and always demand their fair share in any political arrangement. As a lawyer and international prosecutor, he said he believes strongly in fairness and equity, assuring that if elected governor, Benue South would no longer face marginalization.

He encouraged the elders to remain active in leadership decisions, stressing that only experienced stakeholders can help produce leaders capable of delivering meaningful dividends of democracy. Reaffirming his confidence, Dr. Akutah maintained that he is “the most qualified” among the 2027 governorship aspirants and pledged to ensure political balance and transparency in the state’s administration.

He also urged delegates to return to their communities and mobilize massive support for President Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that the President’s policies and developmental strides would be best sustained if he secures a second term.

Several speakers, including Ambassador Matthew Adoli, Barr. Ajene Jacob, Hon. Abba Yaro, Barr. Patricia Kupchi, Hon. Barr. John Ali, and Dr. Dominic Alancha, expressed solidarity with Dr. Akutah and endorsed his aspiration.

Barr. Ajene, in particular, noted that Benue South elders recognize a vacuum in the state’s leadership and reaffirmed their loyalty to Hon. Austin Agada, whom they regard as the legitimate APC State Chairman. He added that Dr. Akutah possesses the competence and broad public appeal required for effective leadership.

In a symbolic gesture of support, Princess Susan Abu presented kola nuts to Dr. Akutah, signifying the elders’ resolve to work toward the success of his 2027 governorship ambition.