2027 Reps race: Leonard Ebute Eteh endorses Lillian Ofiebor at grassroots meeting

The 2027 House of Representatives race for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency gathered renewed momentum on the evening of Thursday, 22 January 2026, following the public endorsement of Ambassador Hon. Lily Ofie-Adoyi by former Benue State House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Leonard Ebute.

The endorsement took place at a strategic gathering of grassroots political stakeholders and mobilisers from Otukpo and Ohimini, a meeting widely described as a convergence of those who sustain political structures at the constituency level.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Leonard Ebute Eteh, popularly known as Chief Ette, urged stakeholders to rally behind Amb. Ofiebor, stressing that Ohimini now had a credible and widely acceptable candidate for the 2027 contest.

After extensive deliberations, he formally declared his support and announced his acceptance of the role of Director-General of her Campaign Organisation, a declaration that received overwhelming approval from the audience.

Adding to the discussion, Hon. Agida Collins Versace emphasized that political representation in the constituency has historically followed a rotational understanding between Otukpo and Ohimini. According to him, no constituency should seek a third consecutive term, noting that such attempts have consistently failed.

“There is no doubt that the turn is now for Ohimini,” he stated. “And Ohimini has a formidable match for the race in the person of Amb. Lillian Ofiebor.”

In a similar vein, Israel Achichi declared that Otukpo was not in contention for the 2027 House of Representatives seat, insisting that anyone contesting under the guise of Otukpo was not acting in the true interest of its people.

“Otukpo people understand that it is Ohimini’s turn,” he said, adding that development is not a function of time alone. “Whatever you cannot achieve in eight years as an assembly member cannot be achieved in twelve years or even twenty.”

The gathering reflected a shared frustration among grassroots actors who expressed fatigue with what they described as a cycle of electoral mobilisation without sustained representation. Many speakers insisted that the 2027 election must depart from past patterns and prioritize genuine service and accountability.

When it was her turn to speak, Amb. Lillian Adoyi Ofiebor thanked attendees for their confidence and show of solidarity, describing the gathering as both humbling and encouraging. She promised an active, inclusive service era if elected, assuring stakeholders that no segment of the constituency would be left behind.

She highlighted some of her charitable and humanitarian interventions carried out without holding any public office, noting that these efforts were driven purely by compassion and commitment to community welfare.

“If this is what we can do without a platform,” she remarked, “imagine what can be achieved with the opportunity of public office and the resources to amplify these efforts.”

Her remarks were met with applause and reaffirmations of support from notable attendees including Israel Achichi, Ideal Ogiri Godwin, Odeh Ogiri, Hon. Iwo, Hon. Agida Collins Versace, Dante Uhuru, Ijachi Ijachi, Deborah Ule, Sunny Kings, Elaigwu Godwin, Adole Peter, Paul Arii, Sunday Okpe Ocheifa, and numerous other grassroots leaders and well-wishers.

Hon. Leonard Ebute Eteh is a grassroots politician from Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C). He previously contested for the Benue State House of Assembly seat for Adoka/Ugboju State Constituency and is widely regarded for his involvement in community mobilisation and constituency-level political organisation. Over the years, he has remained an active stakeholder in Otukpo and Ohimini political affairs.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for unity and strategic collaboration ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election, with participants expressing confidence that the emerging consensus could significantly shape the political direction of Otukpo/Ohimini.