Why Idoma Has Not Produced a Benue Governor

Idoma politicians have not become Benue State governor mainly because the state’s informal power‑sharing arrangement rotates the governorship between the three major ethnic groups—Idoma, Tiv and Igala—based on historical agreements and voting patterns. The Tiv, being the largest group, have traditionally secured the governorship, while Idoma candidates often lack the same level of party backing, vote‑bank size, and intra‑party consensus needed to win the statewide election. Consequently, despite Idoma’s significant presence, the political dynamics and ethnic balancing act have kept the governorship out of Idoma hands. Views Nigeria