Former Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Samuel Onuh, has emerged as the Labour Party’s consensus candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onuh was affirmed by members of the Labour Party drawn from the nine local government areas that make up Benue South Senatorial District during a peaceful exercise monitored by party officials and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday.

Party leaders described his emergence as a demonstration of unity and determination to strengthen the Labour Party’s presence across Zone C ahead of the 2027 elections.

Results announced at the end of the exercise showed that Onuh polled a total of 123,000 votes across the district to secure the party’s ticket.

Speaking shortly after his emergence in Otukpo, Onuh congratulated members of the party for what he described as a peaceful, transparent and credible exercise.

“I am deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me by members of our great party across the nine local government areas of Benue South. 

This victory belongs to every party member who believes in the Labour Party’s vision for a better future,” he said.

He thanked the party faithful for placing their trust in him and pledged not to disappoint them if elected in 2027.

“I accept this responsibility with a deep sense of commitment. By the grace of God, I will not disappoint the people of Benue South. 

Together, we will build a stronger platform that will deliver effective representation, development and opportunities for our people,” Onuh added.

The Labour Party Chairman in Benue State, Williams Ochonu, congratulated party members for their orderly conduct during the exercise.

Ochonu also congratulated all candidates who emerged through the party’s internal process and urged them to remain loyal and committed to the ideals of the Labour Party.

“Today’s exercise has demonstrated the maturity, unity and strength of our party. I commend our members for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the process,” he said.

He urged party members to return to their respective communities and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The real work begins now. We must return to the grassroots, engage our people and continue to build support across the state. If we remain united and focused, the Labour Party will record victories across the board in 2027,” Ochonu stated.

The state chairman expressed confidence that the party was well-positioned to become a major force in Benue politics ahead of the next general elections.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, says he has forgiven all those who opposed him politically in Rivers State.

Wike made the remark while urging politicians in the camp of the state Governor, Siminilayi Fubara, to return to the Rainbow Coalition.

He spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, during a luncheon for candidates of the coalition.

According to Wike, the coalition will win in 2027 and remain in power for eight years.

He said, “If you’re talking about the governorship election in Rivers State, it’s gone. If you’re talking about the presidential election, it’s gone.

“Let me advise you, I’m using this platform to say that I’ve forgiven everybody.

“Come back home sincerely. Because 8 years of politics is something else. This rainbow coalition will not only win next year. We’ll be here for another 8 years.

“But I won’t lie to you; if you’re thinking that any miracle will happen to upturn us, it’s a lie. We’re very much on alert anytime, any day.”

The member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has been affirmed as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Agbese was affirmed on Saturday by members of the Labour Party drawn from the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency during a stakeholders’ gathering attended by thousands of party faithful.

The affirmation comes months after Agbese defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Labour Party amid the lingering internal crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the ruling party.

The exercise was monitored by party officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

According to the Returning Officer, members from across the constituency participated in the affirmation process, with results showing that Agbese secured 17,789 votes in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, 17,767 votes in Okpokwu Local Government Area, and 17,750 votes in Ado Local Government Area.

The exercise attracted more than 53,306 votes party members and supporters from the three councils.

Party leaders described the emergence of both candidates as a demonstration of unity and determination to strengthen the Labour Party’s presence in Benue South.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Agbese thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue providing effective representation to the people of Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Federal Constituency.

He assured party supporters that he would remain committed to delivering democratic dividends and advancing the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly.

“I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming show of confidence by members of the Labour Party across Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu.

 This affirmation is not for Philip Agbese alone; it is a mandate to continue serving our people with dedication, integrity and results.”

“The journey to 2027 has begun, and together we will build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency. 

“Politics should be about service and not personal ambition. I remain committed to attracting more development projects, creating opportunities for our youths and ensuring that the voice of our people remains strong in the National Assembly.”

Several party stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in Agbese’s leadership and performance, noting that his legislative interventions and constituency projects had endeared him to the people.

They described his affirmation as a reflection of the widespread support he enjoys across the federal constituency and expressed optimism that the Labour Party would record significant victories in the 2027 elections.

Earlier, a former Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Onuh, emerged as the Labour Party’s consensus candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.