Professor Cephas Tushima, an aspirant for the Benue North-East Senatorial seat, has expressed support for the consensus option in party primaries while pledging to deliver stronger representation and greater federal presence to the district if elected.
Speaking after participating in the party screening process, Tushima described the exercise as “engaging” and “very involving,” expressing optimism about the outcome.
According to him, the screening marked a significant stage in the process toward selecting the party’s candidate for the senatorial race.
Addressing questions on the growing conversations around adopting consensus for the primaries, the university professor said the option remains lawful and beneficial when it promotes unity within the party.
“The law provides for two options for primaries — either the consensus option or direct primaries,” he said.
“Consensus breeds dialogue, and dialogue, when it reaches a common understanding, brings harmony. So, it is always the best choice. It is only when dialogue fails to produce a common understanding that popularity has to be tested through direct primaries.”
Tushima, however, stressed that his ambition is driven by what he described as years of neglect and inadequate representation of Benue North-East Senatorial District, also known as Zone A.
He lamented the absence of federal institutions in the district despite its vast population, landmass, and natural resources.
“I have consulted extensively with the people, and what I hear from them is that they have not felt the impact of democracy in the region,” he stated.
“There is very little federal presence in Zone A. As of today, there is no federal tertiary institution in the entire zone, despite the fact that it is the largest in terms of landmass and population, and one of the richest in agricultural and mineral resources.”
The senatorial aspirant also recalled the controversial relocation of a federal polytechnic earlier approved for the zone, alleging that past representatives failed to defend the interests of the people.
“There was a time a former senator brought a federal polytechnic to the zone, but it was relocated elsewhere, and the legislators at the time said nothing. Our people are tired of leaders occupying offices without impact,” he said.
Tushima promised to prioritize advocacy, development, and effective representation if given the party’s ticket and eventually elected into the Senate.
“I will be an advocate for the people where it matters. I will be a servant for them in all areas, and I will speak up for them at the national level,” he added.
Professor Tushima is contesting for the Senate seat representing Benue North-East Senatorial District in Benue State.
