Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, H.E. Dr Raymond Edoh, has declared that youths are ready to assume greater leadership responsibilities in 2027 through legitimate democratic means, with special interest in Benue State, insisting that Nigeria can no longer afford to marginalise young people in governance stressing that there is need for inclusive leadership approach, unity and greater youth participation in shaping the country’s political future.
Dr Edoh made the declaration on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Leadership First Conference 2026, held at the Women Development Centre, Abuja which also featured the launching of two books authored by Stephen Elaigwu Ogwuche Jr., titled: Leading to Make a Difference, Volume 1, and Honouring 64 Extraordinary African Leaders: Not When They Are Gone – The Untold Story, Volume 2.
The event attracted NDC chieftain Alhaji Buba Galadima, keynote speakers Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), who attended as Special Guest of Honour. The NDC Presidential Candidate, H.E. Peter Obi, who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited and the NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Benue State, H.E. Dr Raymond Edoh was among the distinguished guests.
The Leadership First Conference 2026 provided a platform for discussions on youth participation, responsible leadership and good governance. The two books emphasise integrity, sacrifice and service to humanity, encouraging emerging leaders to learn from individuals who have contributed to society.
Speaking at the event, Dr Edoh described the books as valuable resources on leadership, good governance and service to humanity.
He expressed concern that the high cost of political participation had discouraged young Nigerians from seeking elective office. “If you take your mind back, you will agree that we lack a lot of youth in leadership. And the reason why we lack a lot of youth in leadership is because coming into leadership became so expensive that youths cannot afford it anymore,” he said.
Explaining his decision to venture into politics, Dr Edoh said the socio-economic challenges confronting Benue State, particularly the difficulties facing farming communities, motivated him to seek elective office.
He described Benue as a predominantly agrarian state, expressing concern that many residents struggled to meet their basic needs despite the state’s agricultural potential. “But unfortunately for us today, we are looking for something to eat that we can’t even see. So this alone is quite traumatising for me as a citizen,” he said.
Dr Edoh maintained that his political ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Benue State and Nigeria rather than pursue personal interests. He identified inclusivity and unity as priorities of his leadership agenda, promising to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging. “If elected, the first thing we’re going to do as people or as leaders is to make sure that every citizen is one. We bring that inclusivity to leadership in the state,” he said.
He also called on the people of Benue to rise above political divisions and work together towards collective development, insisting that the state could no longer afford disunity. “I believe at the moment it shouldn’t be a time where people talk about division in leadership anymore, but rather we should come together as people and see how we can build our state and our country together,” he said.
On his decision to join the NDC, Dr Edoh explained that he left his former political party because he believed leadership should prioritise public service and citizens’ welfare over personal enrichment. “I was in another political party before I moved to NDC, and the major reason why I moved to NDC was because I realised that it is time for us to be in leadership as people, not just people who just get into leadership for their selfish interest,” he said. He stressed the need for accountability, adding that the perception that political office exists for personal gain “must be corrected.”
Dr Edoh urged young Nigerians to move beyond criticism and actively participate in democratic processes, maintaining that Nigeria’s future depends on a committed new generation of leaders and that Benue needs united, inclusive governance that places citizens’ welfare at its centre and as the Deputy Governor Benue State God willing, he will make that happen.
Similarly, Dr Edoh charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently and ensure that votes count. He said credible, free and fair elections would strengthen democracy and restore public confidence, adding that the President’s commitment to protecting electoral independence would secure his place in the sands of time as a leader who upheld democratic principles and respected the people’s mandate.
