Former member of the House of Representatives, Herman Hembe, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Announcing the result on Monday in Makurdi, the ADC governorship returning officer, Victor Tukura, described the primary election as peaceful and credible.

Mr Tukura said Mr Hembe satisfied all requirements of the party and the electoral act and secured the highest number of votes cast in the exercise.

According to him, Mr Hembe polled 46,526 votes to defeat Peter Adojoh, who scored 31,990 votes, while Joseph Waya secured 26,919 votes.

The returning officer commended party supporters for their orderly conduct during the primary and expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the announcement, Mr Hembe pledged to govern the state with integrity if elected.

Mr Hembe, a three-time member, promised to restore peace across Benue communities and grant fiscal autonomy to local governments in the state.

“I want to assure the people who nominated me in this manner that I will not let them down.

“I intend to bring peace to Benue communities. I also intend to guarantee fiscal autonomy to our local governments. I will ensure transparency in governance and remove the culture of falsehood that has pervaded our system.

“I also intend to end the unnecessary conflicts that have become part of our political environment and organise governance that benefits the people, not just a few individuals,” he said.

Mr Hembe criticised the present administration over insecurity in the state, alleging that communities had continued to suffer attacks from bandits and terrorists.

He promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritise the protection of lives and property and ensure displaced communities return to their ancestral homes.

(NAN)