By Adagher Tersoo
In the intricate dance of Nigerian politics, few moments are as charged with anticipation as the period leading up to a presidential primary. As the clock ticks toward Saturday, 23rd May 2026, the political atmosphere in Benue State is electric. At the center of this gathering storm is Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), who has issued a clarion call to the people of the state: come out in full force and embrace the “Renewed Hope” mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking against the backdrop of intense political realignments and grassroots maneuvering, Echono’s appeal was not merely a routine endorsement. It was a strategic summons to loyalty, a reminder of Benue’s pivotal role in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a roadmap for the future of the party as it gazes toward the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a gathering of party supporters and stakeholders in the state, Echono struck a tone of urgency and collective responsibility. He urged the APC faithful to remain steadfast, emphasizing that the forthcoming primary election is not just about choosing a candidate, but about reaffirming a shared vision for Nigeria’s recovery and growth.
“The Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu is not a slogan; it is a contract with the Nigerian people,” Echono was quoted as saying. “Benue State has always been a bastion of political consciousness. Now is the time to show that we are not just followers, but active builders of this nation’s destiny.”
His words resonated deeply in a state that has often found itself at the fulcrum of national political calculations. From the rice fields of Gboko to the urban centers of Makurdi, Benue’s voting population has long been courted by major political blocs. But Echono’s message went beyond electoral math—it was a plea for ideological commitment and grassroots endurance.
According to Echono, the growing wave of endorsements trailing the APC presidential primary process across the country is no accident. It reflects, he argued, a “growing confidence” in President Tinubu’s leadership and policy direction. From the Northwest to the South-South, party faithful are rallying behind the President’s economic reforms, security initiatives, and educational investments—the latter being an area where Echono himself has been a key player through TETFUND’s interventions in tertiary institutions.
“Across the federation, the narrative is changing. People are seeing the method behind the madness. They are witnessing the slow but steady rebuilding of trust between the government and the governed,” Echono stated. “Benue cannot afford to be on the sidelines. We must be at the vanguard.”
His reference to the “strategic role” of Benue in the party’s future political calculations was particularly telling. With its large voting population, ethnic diversity, and historical significance as a swing state, Benue has often tipped the scales in close contests. Echono’s message was clear: the state’s active engagement could determine not just the outcome of the primary, but the trajectory of the APC leading into 2027.
Beyond the rhetoric of endorsements, Echono focused heavily on the mechanics of political survival: unity and grassroots participation. He called on party members to set aside internal differences and work toward a common goal—strengthening the APC’s base from the ward level upward.
“The strength of any political party lies not in its national secretariat, but in the polling units, in the villages, in the local government meeting halls,” he emphasized. “We need every hand to be on deck. We need ward chairmen, youth leaders, women’s groups—everyone—to understand that this primary is just the beginning.”
His call for “wider participation” is especially significant given the often-apathetic attitude of rank-and-file party members in off-cycle elections. By urging sustained grassroots mobilization, Echono signaled that the APC cannot afford to rest on the laurels of its 2023 victory. The political landscape is shifting, and opposition forces are already regrouping.
While the immediate focus is on the 23rd May 2026 presidential primary, Echono’s address was unmistakably forward-looking. The “Renewed Hope” agenda, he implied, is a long-term project—one that requires Benue’s unwavering support not just at the primary, but all the way to the 2027 general election.
For the people of Benue, the choice is becoming clearer. Will they stand as pillars of the President’s vision, or will they allow political complacency to erode their influence? If Arc. Sonny Echono has his way, the answer will resound from every ward and village on Saturday.
As the state prepares for that defining moment, one thing is certain: Benue’s political voice is about to be heard—loud and clear—in the corridors of power.
