2027 House of Reps race: Political firestorm brews in Apa–Agatu as over ten aspirants line up to unseat Ojotu Ojema

As political activities gradually heat up across Benue South ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Apa–Agatu Federal Constituency stands out as one of the most politically charged battlegrounds, IDOMA VOICE reports.

The constituency, which sends one representative to the House of Representatives, currently boasts one of the highest number of aspirants in the zone, with more than ten individuals already jostling to unseat the incumbent, Ojotu Ojema, a cleric.

Ojema, who hails from Agatu, rode on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to victory in 2023, defeating his kinsman and then-incumbent, Hon. Godday Samuel of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His victory was remarkable, making him the only PDP lawmaker from Benue South in the current House of Representatives.

But two years into his tenure, in October 2025, Ojema switched allegiance to the APC, citing internal party crises within the PDP and his desire to align with the ruling party at the centre to “attract development to his constituency.”

However, his defection has come with new political headaches.

The Zoning Question: Whose turn is it?
One of the most contentious issues ahead of 2027 is zoning. Many political stakeholders in Apa argue that since Agatu has just completed its second consecutive tenure, power should naturally rotate back to Apa.

Ojema’s aides disagree. His senior aide, Olikita Ekani, insists there is no formal zoning arrangement between the two local governments.

“Historical records show that both Apa and Agatu aspirants have contested freely in every election. There has never been a binding zoning agreement,” Ekani wrote.

He also argued that Apa has historically enjoyed more representation.

Those who have represented the constituency from Apa include:

1. Rt. Hon. John Edeh
2. Prof. Ada Ugah
3. Late Hon. Adole Abichele
4. Hon. Ademu Entonu
5. While Agatu has produced:
6. Hon. Solomon Agidani
7. Hon. Samuel Godday
8. The incumbent, Ojotu Ojema

“Apa has had four turns while Agatu has had only three. So, who is really marginalized?” Ekani asked rhetorically.

Despite these arguments, the zoning sentiment in Apa remains strong. Many political actors from the area have vowed to ensure the seat returns “home.”

Battlefields within the APC
By defecting to the APC, Ojema walked into a crowded and complicated house. He now faces internal opposition within his new party, which is sharply divided between the Governor Hyacinth Alia faction and the SGF George Akume bloc.

Ojema is said to belong to the Alia camp, a position that could put him at odds with federal-level power brokers aligned with Akume.

To secure the APC ticket, Ojema will have to overcome a lineup of formidable aspirants, including: Hon. Elaigwu Oloche Patrick, Mercy Halima Abutu and Adama Joseph (Otalaka), regarded by many as the “people’s favourite.”

Otalaka’s name evokes strong emotions in Apa–Agatu politics. In the 2022 APC primary, he was widely believed to have defeated then-incumbent Godday Samuel but was edged out through what locals described as “political conspiracy.”

Since then, Otalaka has a strong grassroots appeal. Before now, he has graded roads, electrified communities such as Obelle Ijaha, constructed culverts and small bridges and launched empowerment schemes for  youths, women and schoolchildren.

“This time, Otalaka is back, and louder,” one supporter said during a recent campaign consultation in Ugbokpo.

If Otalaka clinches the APC ticket, observers say the race could become one of the fiercest contests in the entire Benue South zone.

Rising stars and the PDP’s new face
While Ojema battles for survival within the APC, the PDP appears to be rallying behind a new face, Barr. Joy Okpainmo, a young, vibrant lawyer from Ofoke.

Joy, who currently works closely with Senator Abba Moro, has gained popularity through her community projects, such as electricity, water schemes, school renovations and youth empowerment programmes. Her slogan, “Joy is Coming,” has become a familiar chant in Apa–Agatu’s political gatherings.

Many party insiders describe her as the “fresh face” that could help the PDP reclaim the seat if properly supported.

Third force and the ADC factor
Beyond the two major parties, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is quietly building a formidable structure. Aspirants such as Jeffrey Isima and Nelson Apochi Owoicho have attracted disenchanted youth groups and former party officials from both the PDP and APC.

With increasing public disillusionment toward mainstream parties, the ADC’s momentum could make the race even more unpredictable.

Ojema’s Strengths and his weak spots
To his credit, Ojotu Ojema has initiated several empowerment programmes, securing federal jobs for youths and facilitating small development projects across the constituency.
However, his critics accuse him of political silence on critical issues, particularly the persistent killings and farmer–herder conflicts in Apa and Agatu.

“We expected him to be our voice in Abuja. But he has been too quiet,” said a community leader in Usha.

This growing perception of detachment, coupled with zoning agitation and intra-party rivalry, makes Ojema’s 2027 bid a steep uphill climb.As 2027 approaches, Apa–Agatu Federal Constituency is shaping up to be a hotbed of political intrigue, where alliances, sentiment, and performance will be tested.

For Ojotu Ojema, retaining his seat will require more than incumbency, it will demand a careful blend of grassroots reconnection, political negotiation and luck in navigating both the zoning controversy and the internal wranglings of his new party.

For the people of Apa and Agatu, the battle is once again set:
One seat. Many aspirants. One uncertain future.