Titus Zam: Achieving Political Power for Minorities in Benue Requires Elite Agreement

Senator Titus Zam has asserted that for minority populations to hold key political positions in Benue State, the prevailing political elite must willingly agree to relinquish some of their power.

In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, he addressed ongoing grievances from the Idoma and Igede ethnic communities regarding their marginalization. Zam acknowledged the political landscape of the state has largely been controlled by the Tiv, who represent the majority ethnic group. He attributed this imbalance to the framework of Nigeria's democracy rather than any intention to exclude other groups.

Zam stated, “It is indeed a fact that the Idoma and Igede communities have not been afforded the chance to lead the state at the gubernatorial level. However, this situation stems from the characteristics of Nigeria's democratic system. The liberal representative model favors the majority, which poses challenges for lesser-populated ethnic groups to gain power.