SPEAKER of Benue State House of Assmebly, Mr. Titus Uba, emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state on Wednesday, after defeating the deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu and four other aspirants.
By Aboje Anefu, Makurdi
The Speaker won in 21 out of the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state while his closest rival and Deputy Governor won in two LGAs including Otukpo and Ogbadibo.
Declaring the result of the election which was without hitches, the PDP Returning Officer, Mr. Bode Ojomu disclosed that the Deputy Governor polled 81 votes, Titus Uba garnered 731 votes while Dominic Ucha scored one vote.
Others including the former Education Commissioner, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar polled two votes, Dr. Paul Angya garnered one vote while Chief Ben Akaakar scored zero vote.
The Returning Officer explained that 851 delegates were accredited to participate in the election while 20 votes were invalid.
Declaring Mr. Uba winner of the poll, Mr. Ojomu said “by the reason of the outcome of this election, I declare Mr. Titus Uba winner of the election.”
Accepting his nomination, Mr. Uba who thanked Governor Samuel Ortom, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, all stakeholders and members of the party for their support, also commended other aspirants who stepped down for him before the primary election saying he would not take their gesture for granted.
He said the assignment before the party was for all members to join hands to ensure the victory of the party in the coming general elections and ensure that the state was taken to another level of development.
Reacting to his defeat, Mr. Abounu said, “I could not swim against the tide, the authorities spoke well, laud and clear. It is only God that can make somebody like me governor of Benue state. I believe that one day somebody like me will be the Governor of Benue state.”
In his reaction, Governor Samuel Ortom noted that the victory of Mr. Uba was a victory for all Benue people. “This victory is not for me the Governor, the Senators, the National Chairman or stakeholders it is for Benue state. I urge members of our party to give the required support to the party to ensure our victory in the coming general elections.
“As a party we will work very hard to ensure that no party takes over Benue state from PDP in next year’s general elections. That is a duty we owe the people of the state.”
