2023: Interesting political battles to watch out for in Benue South

2023, like every electioneering year would no doubt be a dramatic and ‘maradonic’ -power play- year. At the same time, it would be an interesting year; not just because it is the year tipped by many (Benue people) for a Benue governor of Idoma or Zone C extraction, but also for the keenness that would characterize many federal representative elections in Idomaland.

The tussle! Twist!! Money play!!! And the striking new prestige and competitiveness to elective offices in Idomaland, would be breathtakingly beautiful.
Today, IDOMA VOICE, takes a critical look at some of the interesting political battles to watch out for in Idomaland in 2023:

ADO/OKPOKWU/OGBADIBO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY (AGBESE/OTAH/OCHE)
Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency is not only the largest federal constituency in Idomaland/Zone C, but also arguably the heartbeat of politics in Idomaland.

Right from the advent of citizen rule (independence) in Nigeria, the old Okpokwu (present Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency) has always been a dominant force in the political space. Old Okpokwu produced all two of present day Benue’s first republic ministers in persons of Chiefs Abutu Obekpa of Otukpa, and J.C Obande of Igumale.

Come 2023, the constituency would once again put its legendary political aura in display as some of its most distinguished sons and daughters would be battling for the soul of the highly-revered Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency House of Representatives member.
Top to watch would be the incumbent, Ozigizaga, Rt.Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, renowned author-cum-philanthropist, Chief Phillip Agbese, the Okanga 1 of Agila and current chairman of Ado LGA, James Ogaba Oche.
Interestingly, it would also be a pen game, since the top contenders; Ozigizaga and Okanga, are fine writers.
A social media war is already looming among their fierce supporters.
A fan of Ozigizaga once said- “The moving train”- recently posted on Facebook thus: “He who beats the drum on the train track, should beware of the moving train” – a metaphoric warning to the Okanga camp who pride themselves as “The sound of the royal drum and new dawn in Enone politics”.

Likewise, supporters of Okanga, have often stated that “No tidal wind stronger than a tsunami -talk more of a train wave- can stop the clamorous sound of the people’s royal drum”.
More so, Chief Agbese and Hon. Ottah Agbo are in opposing parties; APC and PDP respectively. It would be a ‘fight’ to the finish!

OTUKPO/OHIMINI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency is the political nervous centre of Idomaland.

Apart from being the traditional and political headquarters of Idomaland/Zone C, the constituency has also produced many fine politicians.

It also produced the first female House of Representatives member in Benue State in the person of Rt.Hon. Ada Mark-Ogbole, and the only current female House of Representatives member in Benue state, Chief. Mrs. Blessing Onuh (Nee Mark).

Not forgetting the longest serving senator and senate president in the history of the National Assembly, Sen. Dr. David A.B Mark.

As 2023 beckons, distinguished men and women of the constituency have their eyes cast on the exalted political stool of member House of Representatives Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency like never before.
For the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, otherwise called Enochi, it would be both “money” and “power play” come 2023 considering the caliber of people battling to occupy the legislative seat.

Top on the highly quintessential list are incumbent and political maestro, Okpokpowulu David Mark’s daughter, Chief. Mrs. Blessing Onuh (Ofyanya 1 of Idoma), renowned philanthropist and businessman, Joseph Godwin Oche (G12), and popular entrepreneur-cum-philanthropist and big money bag, King Moh Odeh Ochacho’s brother, Alexandria Ogbe (Alex Atilary).

While Alex and Onuh who defected earlier this year from APGA -under which platform she won the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency election in 2019- to the ruling party at the national Assembly, are in the same party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joseph Oche is in the ruling party in the state, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

All three have one thing in common; charitable works. Oche plies his benevolences via the G12 Foundation, Onuh performs her philanthropic gestures though her office, and Ogbe carries out his humanity and social responsibilities on the platform of his joint Ochacho Foundation with his billionaire real estate magnet brother, King Moh Odeh.

They have all warmed their ways into the hearts of the people of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency (especially women and youths) through their charitable works in such a way that one would begin to think that the task of who to choose via the ballot between Onuh, Oche and Ogbe would be a difficult choice for the people of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, but this is politics; Only one winner can emerge.

Sit back, relax and watch as events unfold!