Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo 2027: Aida Nath, Philip Agbese clash again in Enone epic rematch

The stage is set for what promises to be an epic political rematch in Enone ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Aida Nath Ogwuche and incumbent lawmaker, Philip Agbese, prepare to face off once again in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially named Aida Nath as its consensus candidate, reaffirming her position as the party’s flagbearer and setting up a renewed contest against Agbese, who now flies the banner of the Labour Party.

Agbese, the current representative of the Enone Federal Constituency, secured victory in the 2023 elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating Aida Nath in a closely contested race.

In that election, Agbese polled 19,083 votes to beat PDP’s Ogwuche, who garnered 15,219 votes, while Ralph Odoh of the Labour Party secured 14,960 votes to place third.

In April 2026, Agbese defected to the Labour Party following the internal crisis rocking the APC in Benue State, introducing a fresh political dynamic as he seeks to defend his seat on a new platform.

Agbese described his defection as both a constitutional right and a strategic decision shaped by prevailing political realities, citing dissatisfaction with developments within the APC.

In metaphorical terms, he likened his exit from the ruling party to abandoning a troubled aircraft or a sinking ship mid-journey.

“The beauty of multi-party democracy and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the freedom to associate and move,” he said.

“Just like a man on a trip to the United Kingdom, I went on a particular airline, I got to my destination, and now I want to return. I feel that the vessel that took me on the last journey has developed technical issues, the tyres are no longer in place.”

Within the PDP, Aida Nath’s emergence as consensus candidate is viewed as a strategic move aimed at consolidating party unity and strengthening its chances at the polls.

Sources said her selection over Adoyi Urama followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo local government areas, reflecting a coordinated effort to present a formidable challenge in 2027.

IDOMA VOICE observed that the forthcoming contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battles in Benue South, given the established rivalry between both candidates and the shifting alignments across party lines.

With political realignments already redefining the terrain, the race for Enone is expected to be intense, competitive, and decisive.

Meanwhile, the APC is yet to settle on a candidate, with several aspirants, including Anthony Agom, Okoriko Aba, Patience Akor, Obande William, among others, indicating interest in the ticket amid ongoing debates over zoning.