
By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Nongov community in Makurdi has unanimously thrown its full support behind Dr. Iorwakwagh Apera as the preferred candidate for the Makurdi/Guma House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was announced yesterday at the residence of community leader Chief Ayôôsu Bem in Makurdi, where representatives of the four Nongov clans—Saghev, Nzorov, Kaambe, and Abinsi—converged to give their blessings to “their son” and to solidify his political destiny.
Dr. Apera, a seasoned development expert with a track record of delivering large‑scale national and international sustainable community projects, pledged effective and result‑oriented representation for the people of the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
He promised to prioritize practical solutions, economic empowerment for youths and women, improved security and stability, as well as infrastructural development if elected into the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nongov Community, Hon. Benjamin Iwan, urged community members to embrace unity and political inclusiveness.
He warned against the politics of conflict and division, describing Dr. Apera’s candidacy as a bridge that can bring Nongov people together for a common cause.
Representatives from all four clans, alongside several community elders, praised Dr. Apera for his bold decision to contest for the House of Representatives, calling it both timely and necessary.
They hailed his candidature as the “darling hope” of the Nongov people, noting that despite being a major block and key stakeholder in the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, the community has so far not had the opportunity to elect one of its own to represent the area at the federal level.

