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UNTYING THE TIE IN ENONE: THE 2027 ADO, OKPOKWU, OGBADIBO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY RACE
An Op-Ed
By: Jacup Ochulayi
The race for Ado Okpokwu Ogbadibo Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election is gradually taking shape, and, for the purpose of this analysis, three strong candidates initially took centre stage and appeared to be in a political tie.
I use the expression “strong candidates” not necessarily to suggest that they are more competent than every other contender, but to acknowledge their existing political advantages, visibility, experience, structures and capacity to mount a serious campaign.
In the language of Afrobeats and hip pop, these three could jokingly be described as the “old cats” of the contest not because of age, but because they have previously been tested in political contests.
1. Hon. Andrew Agom and the ruling party advantage, the APC candidate, enters the race as a serving member of the Benue State House of Assembly and the candidate associated with the Governor’s preferred political direction for the ticket and the eventual ticket holder
Ordinarily, these factors should give him access to considerable political resources, networks and an established structure with which to approach a federal constituency election.
His advantage lies significantly in the institutional and political machinery available to a candidate of the ruling party, however, not in all instances does that advantage work seamlessly.
2. Hon. Philip Agbese and the expected Incumbency advantage, as the incumbent representative of the constituency and is seeking a second term.
Some may argue that an incumbent deserves another term, but ultimately, that question belongs to the electorate and the court of public opinion to adjudge through the ballots.
As the sitting member of the House of Representatives, Agbese is expected to have developed political structures, relationships and resources capable of supporting a re-election campaign
Perhaps one of his most notable political attributes has been his ability to navigate the difficult political terrain that emanated from the long standing political battles within the Benue APC, where he charted his own political course and played a significant role in repositioning the Labour Party in Benue State as a vehicle for his 2027 ambition and not losing out on being on the ballot
3. Hon. Aida Ogwuche, is young experienced, and Resilient, she brings a different dimension to the contest. Her being a young woman is not a disadvantage, rather, it can be an important political asset in a constituency increasingly interested in generational change and broader representation in governance.
Aida is returning to the race after a fiercely contested 2023 battle for the PDP ticket with the then incumbent, a contest that eventually travelled through the courts to the Supreme Court.
Four years later, she returns with the benefit of experience, lessons learned, renewed energy, expanded networks and, presumably, a stronger political structure.
These qualities place her among the candidates who cannot be taken lightly.
THEN CAME THE NEW CHALLENGERS
If the contest had remained between these three, one could reasonably describe the race as a political tie needing a new entrant vote, if it were a parliament or council.
But the equation has changed as two significant new entrants enter the race, Engr. Steven Adoyi of the ADC and Pharm. David Onoja the NDC candidate
Both are young, energetic, politically ambitious and, importantly, appear capable of financing and sustaining a federal constituency onstituency campaign that can lead to victory
Their emergence and party consolidation has therefore introduced a new variable into what many had initially perceived as a three-horse race between the in quote three strong candidates
ENGR. STEVEN ADOYI a new variable in the political equation has approached the contest with an emphasis on engagement, networking, political mobilisation and the effrontery to win an election
Since emerging as a contender, he has moved to establish relationships with stakeholders, political actors and ordinary people across Enone.
His emergence as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the major opposition political platforms in the evolving 2027 political landscape, adds another dimension to his candidacy.
The strength of his candidacy will ultimately depend not merely on the party label, but on how effectively he can translate party structures, stakeholder relationships, grassroots mobilisation and personal political capital into votes.
That is where the “tie” begins to unravel.
If the three established contenders possess advantages arising from incumbency, ruling party machinery or previous electoral experience, the newer candidates have an opportunity to exploit the gaps created by those same advantages if critically identified
Politics, after all, is rarely determined by pedigree alone, It is determined by strategy, mobilisation, credibility, voter connection and performance at the ballot box.
HON. PHARM. DAVID ONOJA, Another new dimension to the race, a swift mover, David is another young and energetic contender who has entered the race with considerable political ambition and personal resources.
In the course of the contest for the ticket, David Onoja moved into the NDC from ADC and emerged as the party's candidate.
For David, the challenge will be converting his personal political appeal, charisma and the broader appeal of his political platform into a functioning grassroots structure capable of delivering votes across wards and polling units.
In the coming race, personal political identity, candidature and wider coverage and reach with the people will become as important as ever.
SO, WHO BREAKS THE TIE?
This is the central question for Ado Okpokwu Ogbadibo electorates as the contest may no longer be adequately described as a simple three way race.
The emergence of Steven Adoyi and David Onoja has complicated the political arithmetic and created new possibilities for victory
The established contenders have experience, visibility, existing structures and, in some cases, institutional advantages.
The new entrants bring youth, fresh energy, ambition, resources and the opportunity to present themselves as alternatives to the established political order.
Ultimately, Enone will decide and victory will be determined by who can build the strongest connection with the electorate, organise effectively at the grassroots, communicate a convincing vision and persuade voters that their candidacy represents the best path forward for Ado Okpokwu Ogbadibo Federal constituency of Benue State
Other political parties, including the NNPP, SDP, NDP and others, also have candidates in the race. This opinion piece, however, focuses on the five contenders discussed above and the changing political dynamics surrounding their candidacies.
See you in the next episode!
Jacup Ochulayi
Multimedia Strategist,
Political Commentator,
Editor-in-chief for Info Times,
Freelance journalist,
Writes from the FCT - Abuja
