By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

A senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Cephas Tyushima, has pledged to attract greater federal presence to Kwande Local Government Area and the entire Benue North-East Senatorial District if elected in 2027.

Tyushima, who recently declared his intention to contest for the Senate seat, said he is in the race to unseat the incumbent senator, Emmanuel Udende, insisting that it is now Kwande’s turn to produce the senator.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the professor identified insecurity as a top priority, promising to pursue lasting solutions to the persistent challenges affecting the area.

He also highlighted the need for proper regulation of mining activities in the district, particularly in Kwande, which is rich in mineral resources. He warned that unchecked illegal mining could lead to violence and instability, citing experiences from countries such as South Sudan, Rwanda, and parts of Central Africa, as well as recent incidents in Plateau State.

Tyushima expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of the senatorial seat, noting that the Sankera axis has held the position multiple times, while Kwande has been largely excluded. He dismissed claims that the current representation was based on any zoning arrangement, describing such assertions as misleading.

According to him, elders from Kwande have endorsed his candidacy, stressing that the district deserves fair representation in the Senate.

He also lamented the relocation of key institutions, including a polytechnic originally sited in Kwande, arguing that the area has not benefited adequately from past representation.

“If given the mandate, Kwande will witness massive development and become a hub of economic growth. I will ensure increased federal presence and improved infrastructure across the district,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, commended Tyushima for formally declaring his ambition and engaging with the media, assuring that his message would reach a wider audience.