Peter Adejoh picked his nomination form on Thursday to run for Benue governor in 2027. He's running on the African Democratic Congress ticket.
A one-party state would damage Nigeria, Adejoh warned immediately after collecting the form. Democracy only works when opposition parties can operate without fear, he noted.
He called on INEC to stay truly independent during the election process. Judges must also be fair and impartial in political cases, according to him.
Adejoh said his mission to "rescue Benue" has started already. Transparency and accountability will guide his administration if voters elect him, he promised.
An inclusive government serving all ethnic groups equally is his vision. "I won't be an Idoma governor, Tiv governor, Igede governor or Etulo governor," he stated.
Wealth will be distributed fairly across all three senatorial districts, Adejoh assured. Local government autonomy would receive priority under his leadership.
Security improvements and a self-reliant economy are also on his agenda. He wants to boost internally generated revenue for Benue State significantly.
Workers won't face salary delays under his watch, Adejoh pledged firmly. He criticized current practices where local government staff remain unpaid for months.
Weak local government systems have fueled insecurity and poverty across communities. Underdevelopment in many areas stems directly from this institutional collapse, he explained.
Benue has rich agricultural and mineral resources waiting to be tapped. Proper management of these assets can transform the state's entire economy, Adejoh believes.
He urged INEC to protect opposition parties and ensure fair competition. Nigeria's democratic system depends on genuine multi-party participation, he emphasized.
