By Vincent Igbawua & Jeremiah Kaltungu, Abuja.
The race for the chairmanship of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State has taken an unexpected turn as caretaker Chairman, Mr. Neji Vitalis, reportedly purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for a total of five million naira (N5m).
This development occurred towards the end of the sale of forms for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State. However, political observers familiar with the dynamics in Kwande have expressed surprise at Hon. Neji’s move, noting that the zoning arrangement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not favor him.
According to these sources, the APC has zoned the chairmanship to the Turan area of Kwande, specifically narrowing it down to Yaav ward. Neji Vitalis, who is from Shangev-ya, is aware of this zoning but was allegedly influenced by ‘or u maan tea a CJN’ to enter the race, introducing a new and unexpected element to the political contest.
Another insider, who requested anonymity, suggested that this move is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Mr. Moses Ternenge, also from Shangev-ya. Ternenge is said to be dragging the name of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, into the controversy.
The source revealed that on Thursday, September 29, a meeting of select Kwande APC leaders was held at Green Belt Hotel in Makurdi, initiated by Mr. Ternenge. During this meeting, five people from each council ward in Kwande were clandestinely selected, and it is believed that the current political maneuvering is a direct result of that gathering. Ternenge is alleged to have brought in Hon. Neji Vitalis as the caretaker chairman and purchased the forms for Mr. Jeff Sundah Iortsor, a civil servant from Abuja, who hails from Yaav council, where the chairmanship is zoned.
The source further explained that Jeff Sundah Iortsor is closely aligned with Hon. Terlumun Akputu and Moses Ternenge, with Ternenge favoring Jeff due to his familial connections. This alignment is seen as an attempt by Ternenge to ensure Jeff’s success in the race.
A young man familiar with the ongoing political strategy, identified only as Mr. Torhide, suggested two possible reasons for Neji Vitalis’ involvement: either to split votes at the primary election, ensuring Jeff’s victory, or to gather votes for Jeff, with Neji stepping down in his favor at the last moment.
The plan, according to Torhide, is backed by Hon. Bem Tseen, a close ally of Moses Ternenge, who has been involved in the candidate screening process to disqualify potential threats to Jeff’s candidacy. Bem Tseen is also rumored to have plans to position his wife as the vice-chairmanship candidate alongside Neji Vitalis if the plan succeeds.
As the screening of candidates begins today in Makurdi, the situation remains tense, with many watching closely to see how the political drama in Kwande will unfold. Despite repeated attempts, our correspondent was only able to reach Hon. Imoter Richard Nomkpo, a candidate from Yaav council ward, who expressed confidence in his strategy to win the race and vowed to deliver on his promises if elected.