Stakeholders have expressed support for a shift in the political leadership recruitment process in Igedeland of Benue South senatorial district.
Participants at the second annual lecture organised and held in Abuja by the Association of Igede Media Professionals (AIMP) were unanimous on the call for the shift.
Former Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Ode Ojowu, who served as chairman of the event, called for a fundamental rethink of the political leadership recruitment process ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As we look towards 2027, leadership recruitment systems must be rethought to ensure that competence, integrity and inclusiveness are prioritised over narrow interests,” he said.
In his remarks, the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, David Ogewu, called for unity and the need to support one another as well as playing politics in a way that advances the collective interest of the Igede nation.
Also, a leading contender for the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Major General Ede Ode (rtd), cautioned against the manipulation of Igede voters using lies and religion as weapons, adding that political leaders of Igedeland should not be decided from outside the land.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of the AIMP, Comrade Egena Ode, observed that the Igede nation may continue to suffer unless competence, integrity, and accountability become the basis for selecting political leaders.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bar. Benson Upah, served as the guest lecturer at the event, which had the theme: Rethinking Political Leadership Recruitment System in Igedeland Ahead of 2027.”