Otukpo/Ohimini 2027: Why it will be difficult to unseat Blessing Onuh — Electorate

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, political activities are gathering momentum in the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State, with incumbent lawmaker, Lady Blessing Onuh, gearing up for a third term bid in the House of Representatives.

Onuh, daughter of former Senate President and military administrator of Niger State, Senator David Mark, has been a dominant figure in the politics of Benue South since 2019 when she first won the seat under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). She defeated her uncle, Hon. Egli Ahubi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what was considered a major political upset.

IDOMA VOICE recalls that in 2023, she secured re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating billionaire-backed Alex Ogbeh of the Ochacho Empire.

Now seeking a third term, Lady Onuh, popularly called “High Tension” by supporters, faces renewed opposition as agitation for power rotation grows louder, particularly from Ohimini.

While Onuh’s supporters insist she has done well and deserves another term, her critics have argued that it is time for Ohimini to produce the next representative, in line with what they describe as the “eight-year rotation tradition” between the two local governments.

“Mama Blessing has always stood by the poor. Even when you call her at night, she answers. We’ll keep voting for her until she says she’s tired,” said Esther Oche, a member of the women’s support group, Ogigo Omebe.

However, some residents of Ohimini have vowed to resist her re-election bid.

“We love her, but enough is enough. It’s Ohimini’s turn. We can’t keep voting while Otukpo takes the seat forever,” said Joseph Agbo, a youth leader from Agadagba community.

Lady Onuh’s major strengths include her strong grassroots connection, a loyal female support base and control of the APC structure across the constituency.

Apart from being the daughter of former Senate President, Senator David Mark, Lady Onuh has successfully built her own political brand, one that blends accessibility, humility and people-oriented representation.

Many residents describe her as “a politician with a listening ear” who is never too busy to attend to her constituents. Her campaign slogan, “High Tension,” has evolved beyond a nickname into a symbol of her energetic and responsive style of leadership.

“She’s not just a politician; she’s one of us,” said Mrs. Ene Oko, a trader at the Otukpo Main Market. “Even before elections, she checks on women and helps our children get jobs or start businesses.”

As a member of the ruling party both at the federal and state levels, Lady Onuh’s political positioning gives her added leverage in attracting federal projects and empowerment programmes to the constituency. Under her representation, several community boreholes, rural electrification projects and classroom rehabilitations have been executed across Otukpo, Adoka, Ugboju, Idekpa and Agadagba communities.

In addition, her human capital development initiatives, particularly youth skill acquisition, women empowerment grants and educational support schemes, have touched hundreds of households in both local governments.

“Through her office, many of our youths have been trained in tailoring, catering, and ICT. Some even got start-up tools after training,” said Mr. Innocent Oche, a youth leader in Ojira, Otukpo.

Her political strength also lies in her grassroots network, especially the women’s support group, Ogigo Omebe, which has remained one of the most formidable volunteer movements in Benue South. The group, made up of market women, widows, and farmers, has publicly pledged to support her re-election.

“Until she says she’s no longer interested, we will keep voting for her,” declared Madam Theresa Ameh, leader of the group in Adoka.

Observers say her accessibility and simplicity distinguish her from many politicians who become unreachable after winning elections. Constituents often recall that her constituency office remains open year-round and that she personally attends local events, from funerals to village meetings.

Despite criticisms over power rotation and calls from Ohimini for a shift in representation, Lady Onuh’s strong record of engagement, coupled with her ruling party advantage, makes her the leading favourite in the 2027 race.

Political analysts argue that unless the opposition consolidates around a single, formidable candidate, Blessing Onuh’s broad support base, government connections, and visible achievements across the nooks and crannies of the constituency will likely secure her a third term victory.

“She has combined influence with impact. Her presence is felt in both Otukpo and Ohimini, and that’s why she remains the candidate to beat,” said a political observer, Mr. Godwin Agbo.

However, despite her strengths, a major point of criticism against Lady Onuh is that many perceive her as continuing the political legacy of her father, who held the Benue South Senate seat for 20 years.

Opponents argue that this reflects political greed and the ‘eat alone, die alone’ mentality, where power is concentrated within a single family or zone.

“People feel she is just toeing her father’s path, holding on to power for the family rather than genuinely rotating leadership. This kind of political monopoly should not be encouraged,” said Andrwa Adaji, a youth leader in Igbanonmaj in Otukpo town.

This narrative has become a key rallying point for candidates from Ohimini and other parts of the constituency advocating for power rotation and fairness.

New Entrants and Zoning Debate
This election cycle, however, has seen several aspirants emerge, particularly from Ohimini Local Government, which many believe should produce the next representative under the long-standing zoning understanding between Otukpo and Ohimini.

Among them is Lawrence Ekpo Onoja, a former Commissioner for Information in Benue State and son of retired military administrator, General Lawrence Onoja. Onoja’s entry has revived debate around zoning and political fairness.

However, observers say that while his family name carries weight, his grassroots structure remains weak.

“He’s respected, but not deeply rooted among the ordinary people,” a political ward leader in Idekpa told Idoma Voice. “He will need strong community mobilization to stand a real chance.”

Another notable aspirant is Hon. Mark Eche Sunday, a former Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, who is also believed to be eyeing the same seat. Eche, known for his administrative experience and calm political demeanor, is banking on his record of service and local connections to make an impact.

“Hon. Mark Eche is not loud, but he’s trusted,” said a community elder in Onyagede. “People remember how he handled council affairs with fairness.”

 However, critics have accused her of poor performance, limited constituency projects, and an overbearing political style.

While Lady Blessing Onuh dominates much of the constituency, Godwin Joseph Oche, popularly known as G12, is emerging as a serious contender, particularly within the Adoka and Ugboju axis. Known for his vibrant personality and hands-on engagement with youths, G12 has steadily built a reputation as a candidate who connects directly with ordinary people, especially young voters.

“G12 is not like the usual politicians. He comes to our communities, sponsors football tournaments, helps with school fees, and listens to our concerns,” said Mr. Daniel Agan, a youth leader in Ugboju.

His growing popularity is partly attributed to philanthropy and grassroots initiatives, including football sponsorships, small-scale entrepreneurship support, and youth empowerment programmes. Many young voters see him as a fresh alternative to traditional politics, appealing to those who feel left out of government schemes.

However, political analysts caution that while G12 is a candidate to beat, his limited political experience and organisational structure may affect his ability to convert popularity into votes across the entire constituency.

“G12 has charisma and youth appeal, but politics in Benue South is not just about popularity,” said Mr. Godwin Agbo, a political analyst. “Without a strong party structure and wider support beyond Adoka and Ugboju, he may struggle in the general elections.”

Despite these challenges, G12’s energy, grassroots visibility, and direct engagement with voters make him a candidate to watch. Observers note that if he manages to consolidate the youth vote and forge strategic alliances, he could significantly cut into Lady Onuh’s margin, especially in the urbanized wards.

Ambassador Lilian Adoyi, on her part, is drawing support from Ohimini and women’s groups who see her as a symbol of equity and inclusion.
However, her limited visibility in Otukpo, which has a larger voting population and modest resources may affect her momentum.

“From 1999 till now, Otukpo has dominated. We in Ohimini will not sit idle this time,” said Chief John Abu, a community elder in Ohimini.

“Blessing has carried everyone along. We can’t abandon a performer midway,” countered Mrs. Rose Ogbole, APC stalwart in Ugboju.

With months to the primaries, political analysts believe Lady Blessing Onuh remains the favourite to retain her seat, but the outcome may depend on whether the Ohimini bloc can unite behind a single challenger.