Why Idoma has never produced Benue governor since 1976 — Obla

Idoma Political Aspirations Discussed at Centenary Celebration

OTUKPO, Benue State — Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of the Godwin Obla Foundation, addressed the political challenges faced by the Idoma people during a centenary lecture on Saturday. Speaking at the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration, Obla highlighted that the Idoma have not produced a governor in Benue State since its establishment in 1976, attributing this to demographic disadvantages and ongoing divisions among the Idoma elite.

In his lecture, titled “The Political Choices of the Idoma People Since 1950: Context, Consequences, and the Path Forward,” Obla noted that despite being the state’s second-largest ethnic group, the Idoma have been excluded from holding the highest political office for nearly five decades.

“Since the creation of Benue State in 1976, no Idoma person has ever been elected Governor. Fifty years of statehood, and the second-largest ethnic group in the state has never occupied Government House in Makurdi,” he stated.

Obla explained that the political dynamics in Benue State disadvantage the Idoma and Igede people. He pointed out that Zones A and B, which are predominantly Tiv, encompass 14 local government areas, while Zone C, home to the majority of the Idoma and Igede, has only nine.

“The arithmetic is straightforward and merciless,” he emphasized, noting that the Tiv majority has consistently retained governorship under the prevailing majoritarian voting system.

However, Obla argued that demographic realities alone do not account for the ongoing political exclusion. He cited internal divisions among Idoma political leaders as a significant factor that has weakened the group’s chances of achieving gubernatorial success.

“When the opportunity for an Idoma governorship arises, internal fracturing keeps the elite from rallying around a consensus candidate. Personal rivalries and competing ambitions frequently result in multiple aspirants, diluting the Idoma voting strength,” he said. He indicated that this pattern of fragmentation has characterized the Idoma’s political history since its early days of organization.

Obla also criticized successive Idoma political elites for failing to translate national political influence into sustainable local development. While acknowledging that many Idoma individuals have held prominent national roles, including Senate President and federal ministers, he pointed out that many communities still face poor infrastructure and security challenges.

“The truth that we must confront is this: national political prominence, however impressive, is not a substitute for local development,” he remarked.

To address these issues, Obla called for the establishment of a permanent, non-partisan Idoma Political Consultative Forum aimed at fostering consensus before elections. He also urged the Idoma people to enhance their voter education efforts, engage in grassroots mobilization, and build cross-ethnic political alliances to attract broader support across Benue State.

According to Obla, the emergence of an Idoma governor will depend on strategic coalition-building and a development agenda that resonates across the state. He described the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration as a chance for self-reflection and political revitalization, encouraging younger generations to take an active role in shaping the future of the Idoma people.

Obla concluded by emphasizing that the next chapter in Idoma political history should prioritize unity and collective action, rather than internal rivalries and missed opportunities.

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