An Idoma elder statesman and political leader, Dickson Akoh, has strongly condemned the culture of inducement politics in Benue South, declaring that the distribution of rice, salt and other items does not amount to true democracy.
In a statement titled “The 2027 Mandates: Rejecting the Consultation Paradox in Benue South and the Failure of the Democratic Contract,” Akoh warned that voters must reject transactional politics as the 2027 general elections approach.
“The true measure of representation must transcend tokenistic empowerment schemes such as the distribution of rice, salt, fertilizers and other items.
“These are temporary distractions that mask deeper systemic failures and keep our people in a cycle of dependency,” he said.
Akoh described the trend as a dangerous pattern he termed the “Consultation Paradox,” where politicians only engage the people during election periods and disappear after securing power.
“Many political engagements are purely transactional rather than relational. They are pre-election formalities to secure support, with no framework for post-election accountability,” he added.
The elder statesman noted that such practices had continued to weaken the political influence of Benue South, particularly among the Idoma people, while worsening issues of underdevelopment and marginalisation.
He urged the electorate to redefine the meaning of democratic dividends by focusing on tangible development.
“We must shift our focus to verifiable public goods—motorable roads, quality healthcare, sound education, stable electricity and improved security.
“These are the real dividends of democracy,” Akoh stated.
He also cautioned against aspirants who only surface during election seasons without any record of service to the people.
“True leadership is not a seasonal endeavour. Those who have not maintained any relationship with the people over time cannot suddenly claim to represent them,” he said.
Calling for a new political culture ahead of 2027, Akoh urged voters in Benue South to unite across party lines and prioritise competence, integrity and track record.
“The 2027 elections must be a moment of self-emancipation for our people. We must reject superficial politics and demand accountability,” he said.
He further proposed clear benchmarks for evaluating political leaders, including legislative performance, transparency in constituency projects, and regular engagement with constituents.
“An elected official who cannot sit with his people regularly has no business representing them,” he added.
Akoh also charged Idoma leaders and stakeholders to set aside personal differences and work together for the collective good of the region.
“The greatest threat to our progress is not external, but internal. We must overcome division, bitterness and selfishness if we truly desire development,” he warned.
He urged the people of Benue South to take responsibility for their political future by asking the right questions and demanding credible leadership ahead of 2027.
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