2027: Igede Must Reform Leadership Recruitment to Secure Greater Political Influence, Upah Warns By Okwo romeon

Abuja: A legal practitioner and public affairs commentator, Sir (Barrister) Benson Upah, has urged the Igede people of Benue State to critically reassess their political leadership recruitment process ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the community risks continued political marginalisation without a deliberate strategy for producing visionary leaders.

Upah made the call while delivering the second public lecture organised by the Igede Media Professionals at Merit House, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, "Re-thinking Leadership Recruitment System in Igedeland: 2027 in Focus," he argued that political leadership should not be left to chance, personal ambition or patronage, but should emerge through a transparent process that identifies individuals with integrity, competence and a commitment to public service.

Drawing on the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, Karl Marx and contemporary leadership scholars, Upah said enduring leadership is anchored on values such as trust, courage, vision, empathy, self-discipline and accountability.

According to him, every society develops mechanisms for recruiting and reproducing political leadership, whether through formal institutions or informal networks, adding that the quality of those processes ultimately determines the quality of governance.

He warned that leadership recruitment driven by godfather, sectional interests or personal loyalty often produces weak institutions and political instability.

"As we approach the 2027 elections, the critical question is not merely who occupies existing political offices, but how the Igede nation positions itself to secure greater influence within the wider political structure of Benue State and Nigeria," he said.

Upah lamented that political discourse in Igedeland had become narrowly focused on elective positions already allocated to the area, while broader opportunities for political negotiation, coalition-building and strategic influence were being overlooked.

He urged political leaders, professionals, traditional institutions and youth groups to begin building a leadership pipeline capable of producing competent leaders who would place community interests above personal ambition.

The senior lawyer also reflected on the historical evolution of the Igede people, arguing that understanding their history and political journey is essential to shaping a stronger future.

He traced the migration of the Igede across different parts of present-day Nigeria and called for deeper historical research to preserve the community's heritage and strengthen its collective identity.

Upah maintained that leadership succession should be guided by merit, character and public interest rather than the desire of political godfathers to install loyal successors for personal advantage.

He warned that poorly managed succession processes often breed conflict, political fragmentation and governance crises, while transparent and inclusive leadership recruitment promotes stability and development.

The lecture concluded with a call on the Igede political elite to move beyond short-term electoral calculations and develop a long-term strategy for leadership development, unity and effective political representation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event attracted political leaders, academics, media practitioners, professionals and members of the Igede community from across the country among list of personalities include: ,