Otukpo/Ohimini Group Kicks Against Mark’s Daughter’s 2027 Bid, Warns Against ‘Family Politics’

By Victor Idajil

A group in Benue South, the Otukpo/Ohimini Equity Movement, has rejected what it called an attempt to keep the Otukpo/Ohimini federal constituency seat with one family, in reaction to the emergence of Senator David Mark’s daughter as PDP candidate for 2027.

The group said on Monday that while it congratulates Ambassador Lilian Ofie-Adoyi on winning the Peoples Democratic Party ticket, her candidacy has brought back concerns about the zoning agreement between Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas.

In a statement, the movement said it respects Ofie-Adoyi and her supporters, but insisted that political arrangements meant to ensure fairness must not be ignored.

According to the group, the seat has been rotating between the two LGAs since 1999.  
Hon. Adah Ejiga from Otukpo held it from 1999 to 2003, followed by Hon. Agbo Oga of Ohimini from 2003 to 2007. Hon. Nelson Alapa of Otukpo served from 2007 to 2011, while Hon. Ezekiel Adaji of Ohimini was in office from 2011 to 2019. 

Since 2019, Hon. Blessing Onu of Otukpo has been representing the constituency, and the group said her tenure is expected to end in 2027 after completing 8 years. It therefore questioned any move to extend Otukpo’s turn beyond that period.

“Our position is not a rejection of any individual; rather, it is a demand that the principle of equitable rotation be respected,” the statement read.

The group also pointed to Senator David Mark’s 25 years in the Senate, saying long stay in office by one family can shut out other qualified people from Otukpo and Ohimini. 

It warned against the idea of turning political office into “family inheritance” or father-to-daughter succession.

“Democracy must remain open to all qualified citizens, and political opportunity must be based on fairness, competence and the will of the people,” it said.

The Equity Movement urged political parties and stakeholders to address the zoning issue openly with the people of Otukpo and Ohimini. It added that if party arrangements do not reflect the expectations of the people, voters have the right to decide in 2027.

The group also called on residents of both LGAs to remain peaceful but vigilant in protecting their democratic rights.

“Let our participation in politics not be reduced to what can be bought or exchanged for a token. Our democracy must be one where every qualified citizen has a fair opportunity to serve,” it concluded.