Nigeria’s Idoma tribe rallies behind senatorial hopeful Olofu, with royal blessings

Nigeria

The race for the Nigeria’s Benue South Senatorial seat has taken a definitive turn as the former Commissioner for Finance, Dr. David Olofu, secured a major boost from the Idoma traditional and religious leadership, signaling a powerful “homefront” consensus for his 2027 ambitions.

Under the banner of his “A New Dawn for Benue South” campaign, Olofu has successfully bridged the gap between technocratic policy and grassroots cultural identity. The momentum reached a fever pitch following a series of high-profile endorsements that many political analysts view as a “changing of the guard” in the district.

A Mandate from the Elders

The most significant pillar of Olofu’s rising profile is the explicit backing of the Idoma Area Traditional Council. Recently honored with a prestigious chieftaincy title by the Och’Idoma V, Agaba’Idu Elias Odogbo John, Olofu was cited for his “unwavering commitment” to the development of the Idoma Kingdom.

This royal nod was complemented by a spiritual endorsement from the Methodist Church Nigeria. At the Iga Cathedral Circuit, Olofu was conferred with the Wesley Ambassador Award, an honor he described as a “divine call to service” rather than a mere personal accolade.

The “Apa Development and Security Plan” (ADSP)

Beyond the symbolism of royal beads and awards, Olofu is campaigning on a pragmatic security and economic blueprint. During a recent consultative tour of Apa and Agatu—areas frequently hit by regional instability—he unveiled his Apa Development and Security Plan (ADSP).

Key features of his proposal include:

• The River Benue Highway: A proposal to construct a strategic highway along the River Benue corridor from Lokoja to Taraba to eliminate “ungoverned spaces” used by bandits.
• Infrastructure for Response: Improving rural roads so that security agencies can respond to distress calls in minutes rather than hours.
• Economic Empowerment: Scaling his Apa Legacy Sustainability Initiative, which has already provided ₦20 million in scholarships to indigent students.

The Political Landscape

As the 2026 political calendar begins to heat up, Olofu’s entry into the race sets up a high-stakes contest. As a former Chairman of the Forum of State Commissioners for Finance, he is positioning himself as a “fiscal bridge” between the state and the federal government.

“My vision is for a Benue South where every voice is heard, every potential is realized, and our collective future is prosperous and secure,” Olofu stated during a meeting with community patriarchs in Opaha.

While the district is currently represented by seasoned political figures, the “Olofu Wave” is gaining traction through its unique blend of humanitarian investment and traditional legitimacy. For the people of Benue South, the “Royal Blessing” may well be the signal that a new era of representation is on the horizon.