Benue State, located in North-central Nigeria, is home to many ethnic groups, including the Idoma people. In recent years, the state has been plagued by a series of socio-political and economic challenges that have left many wondering if an Idoma person can be elected governor of Benue State. As Nigerians go to the polls, several factors may have contributed to this situation.
Firstly, the power-sharing agreement between the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups in the state may have limited the chances of an Idoma person becoming governor. The agreement, which was introduced in 1999, stipulates that the governorship position will rotate between the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups every eight years. While this agreement was meant to promote equity and balance in the state’s political leadership, it may have unintentionally limited the chances of an Idoma person becoming governor.
Secondly, the Idoma people may not have had the same level of political mobilization and organization as the Tiv ethnic group, which has produced most of the state’s governors. The Tiv ethnic group is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and has a long history of political activism and mobilization. As a result, they have been able to effectively organize and galvanize their political base to produce governors from their ethnic group.
Thirdly, the Idoma people may have been affected by a lack of political consensus and unity within their ethnic group. Unlike the Tiv ethnic group, which has a relatively homogeneous culture and language, the Idoma people are a diverse group with different sub-ethnic groups and dialects. This diversity may have made it challenging for them to unite behind a single candidate or political agenda, which is crucial for winning elections in a competitive political environment.
Fourthly, political parties may not have given the Idoma people equal opportunities to contest for the governorship position. Nigeria’s political parties are known to be dominated by a few powerful individuals or groups, who often determine the party’s candidates for elective positions. As such, an Idoma person may not have had the same level of support from party leaders as a Tiv candidate, for example.
However, others believe that the power-sharing agreement is not cast in stone and can be amended to reflect the changing dynamics of the state’s political landscape. They argue that the Idoma people have the right to contest for the governorship of Benue State based on their population, political representation, and contributions to the state’s development. The Idoma people remain one of the largest ethnic groups in Benue State which makes them a significant political force.
Furthermore, the Idoma people have made significant contributions to the development of Benue State. They have played a pivotal role in the state’s agricultural sector, which is the backbone of its economy. The Idoma people have also produced notable political figures who have served the state in various capacities, including Senator David Mark, who was a former Senate President.
In conclusion, the power-sharing agreement between the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups is not sacrosanct. The agreement was introduced in 1999 to ensure that power is equitably shared between the two dominant ethnic groups in the state. However, the dynamics of the state’s politics have changed since then, and it is essential to review the agreement to reflect the current realities. Idoma people need to organize and mobilize their political base to effectively compete for the governorship position and other elective positions in the state.