ADC inaugurates Benue State Elders Council

The Benue State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting to update members on ongoing party programmes, national secretariat activities, and to inaugurate the State Elders Council, which will serve as an advisory body for the party.

In his opening remarks, party leader Emmanuel Yisa Orker-Jev praised the state leadership for their dedication in strengthening the party and urged them to continue their work with commitment and focus.

Sen. Orker-Jev highlighted that the ADC has emerged as the leading minority party in Nigeria, not just in Benue State, positioning it as a strong contender in upcoming elections.

He downplayed the idea of a unified All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, describing it instead as a collection of factions. The senator questioned the celebration of members moving from one APC faction to another as if they were joining a different party.

Orker-Jev also claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state effectively operates as an extension of one APC faction, asserting that ADC remains the only “virus-free” political party in Benue.

He revealed that over ten qualified individuals are seeking the ADC governorship ticket, alongside numerous aspirants for senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly positions, while reaffirming that the party welcomes new members without restriction.

Earlier in the meeting, Protem Chairman Chief Terngu Tsegba updated members on the congress programme, noting that party positions will be contested at polling unit, ward, local government, and state levels. He added that nomination forms are available for all positions at the state party secretariat.

Rt. Hon. Chile Igbawua provided insights from the national secretariat, explaining that the National Working Committee (NWC) has received reports on policy formulation and the revised party constitution. He said the new constitution and policy framework reinforce ADC as a people-focused party, with elected officials, including governors, expected to operate within party guidelines and remain accountable to the party.

The event culminated in the inauguration of the State Elders Council, whose members, drawn from all 23 local government areas, were appointed by the party’s state vice chairman, Prof. David Salifu.