Since its creation in 1976 from the old Plateau State, Benue
State has remained relevant in all the electoral processes in Nigeria with each
successive election ushering in a tensed atmosphere. The 2019 general electons
may not be different if the mood and indeed remarks of a good percentage of
citizens of the state are anything to go by particularly with regards to the
chances of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in winning elections in Benue
come 2019.
As expected , Benue remains a place to watch in the forthcoming
general elections because, according to some stakeholders in the state, there
is every possibility that people may sell votes for money due to the
excruciating and perpetual lack and hardship currently being experienced
in the state. They say whichever way it goes, the chances of the APC remains
lean.
In Benue, politics is not an exclusive preserve of a certain
people. Everyone, both old and young, are involved in deciding who becomes the
leader when elections are held. This is because apart from the civil service,
there are no industries in the state; the few existing ones, the Taraku Oil
Mills, Tomato Processing Company, Fertilizer Blending Plant, Flour Mills
Processing Company, Otukpo Burnt Bricks, to mention but a few, are moribond.
So, the biggest business you find in Benue is politics.
The APC wrestled power from PDP in Benue State in 2015 beacause
the people had become disenchanted with the failed promises and programmes of
the latter. However, for obvious reasons, the same people have lost faith ànd
confiďence in the APC led government and are patiently waiting to show the
party the way out through the ballot.
Corroborating the above scenario, a Social commentator and
political stakeholder, Elder Nat Apir said as far as Benue state is
concerned at the moment, the chances of APC winning election is Benue are very
slim.
“This is not based on some magical clairvoyance but recent
events in the state have caused our people to be very disenchanted with APC and
it’s leadership at the top.
“The Fulani herdsmen invaded our land and killed over 73 people
within 24hrs cycle. We had expected a robust response from the national body of
APC leadership but it didn’t happen. They have not even visited Benue to
commiserate with the people and Governor of the state and the president of the
country has failed to take actions”.
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