By Our Correspondent In Makurdi
As political realignments begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent voices from the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency have intensified calls for a power shift in the House of Representatives seat to Ushongo Local Government Area in the spirit of fairness, equity, and political inclusion.
Leading the charge is the Convener of the Kwande United Front for Democracy (KUFOD), Dr. Ungwanen Ahile, who made a passionate appeal during a media chat in Makurdi on Saturday.
He urged political actors from the Kwande axis to support a candidate from Ushongo in 2027, stressing that the time had come to correct the political imbalance.
Dr. Ahile noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the Kwande bloc has held the federal seat for 20 out of the last 28 years, leaving Ushongo with only eight years of representation.
“This stark imbalance contradicts the Tiv political philosophy of ‘Ya na angbian’, which means eat and give your brother. Upholding this principle is essential for inclusive democracy and shared progress,” he stated.
He called on political leaders, traditional institutions, and all men of goodwill to support the just demand, describing it as a moral duty and a necessary step toward sustaining unity and equity within the constituency.
Dr. Ahile also aligned with recent advocacy for Kwande to retain the Zone A Senate seat in 2027, saying both demands represent a balanced power-sharing formula that reinforces justice across the Tiv nation.
Backing the call, Elder Statesman Engr. Isaac Iyorhen stressed that the House of Representatives seat is rightly due for Ushongo in 2027, citing past precedents and the need to uphold the time-tested principle of rotation.
“Any aspirant from Kwande contesting for the seat should be seen as supporting Ushongo candidates through symbolic participation.
Kwande must relinquish the seat to their Ushongo brothers,” he stated, calling on stakeholders to boldly declare and defend this position as a duty bound by divine and communal approval.
Adding their voices to the growing momentum, Mr. John Iyo, Mr. Viashima Akombor, and Miss Maureen Tsav all maintained that equity demands Ushongo’s turn in 2027, urging political actors to respect history and uphold justice.
In a further show of solidarity, the President-General of the Kwande Development Association (KWADA), Mr. Nicholas Kumbur, pledged the support of Kwande people for Ushongo’s bid to produce the next representative.
“Kwande is ready to give Ushongo overwhelming support. It’s their turn, and we will stand by them in 2027,” Kumbur affirmed.
With mounting consensus and cross-community support, the push for a power shift in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency is gaining significant traction, potentially setting the tone for a new political direction in the 2027 elections.
