May 25 (THEWILL) — Former member of the House of Representatives, Herman Hembe, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hembe secured victory at the party’s governorship primary election held in Makurdi on Monday, defeating two other aspirants in what party officials described as a peaceful and credible exercise.
Announcing the result, the ADC Governorship Returning Officer, Victor Tukura, said Hembe met all constitutional and electoral requirements and garnered the highest number of valid votes cast during the primary.
According to Tukura, Hembe polled 46,526 votes to defeat Peter Adojoh, who secured 31,990 votes, while Joseph Waya scored 26,919 votes.
He commended party supporters and delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise, expressing confidence that the ADC would mount a strong challenge in the 2027 governorship election in Benue State.
“The primary election was peaceful, transparent and credible. The party followed due process, and the outcome reflects the will of party members”, Tukura stated.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Hembe pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration if elected governor in 2027, promising to tackle insecurity, restore peace across troubled communities and strengthen local government administration through fiscal autonomy.
“I want to assure the people who nominated me in this manner that I will not let them down. I intend to bring peace to Benue communities. I also intend to guarantee fiscal autonomy to our local governments. I will ensure transparency in governance and remove the culture of falsehood that has pervaded our system. I also intend to end the unnecessary conflicts that have become part of our political environment and organise governance that benefits the people, not just a few individuals”, Hembe said.
The former federal lawmaker also took a swipe at the current administration in the state over the persistent insecurity confronting several communities, alleging that attacks by armed bandits and terrorists had continued unabated.
Hembe lamented the displacement of residents from their ancestral homes and promised that security and the protection of lives and property would be among the top priorities of his administration if elected governor.
He further assured that his government would work towards ensuring that displaced persons return safely to their communities and resume normal economic and social activities.
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