As we approach the 2027 senatorial elections, a familiar and somewhat tired argument has begun to surface in the political discourse of Benue South: the question of “requisite experience.” Some critics argue that Dr. David Olofu, a leading hopeful for the Zone C Senate seat, lacks the legislative background compared to the incumbent, Senator Aba Moro.
But I must ask: since when did the Red Chamber become an exclusive club for those with “legislative experience” alone? If we look back at the history of our great district, what specific “senatorial experience” did Senator Aba Moro himself possess when he first entered the Senate in 2019? He transitioned from roles as a Local Government Chairman, an academic, and a Minister of Interior. He was a first-timer once, too.
Experience is not a stagnant pool; it is a flowing river of service, and Dr. David Olofu’s river runs deep.
In my view, the “experience” Benue South needs in 2027 isn’t just the ability to debate on a floor, but the proven capacity to manage resources and deliver tangible results. Dr. David Olofu is not a political novice; he is a seasoned technocrat with over 25 years of leadership across the public and private sectors.
As the two-term Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning (2015–2023), he navigated the complex waters of state economy, implementing landmark reforms like the SFTAS (State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability) program.
His peers recognized his brilliance by electing and re-electing him as the Chairman of the Forum of State Commissioners for Finance of Nigeria. This isn’t just a title; it is a reflection of his ability to lead leaders and influence national fiscal policy.
Beyond the numbers, his Apa Legacy Sustainability Initiative is already doing the work that many “experienced” politicians promise but never deliver. By establishing a N50 million scholarship fund for Idoma students, he is investing in our greatest resource, our youth.
The argument that a “newcomer” cannot represent the people effectively is a fallacy that ignores the successes of those who moved from executive roles to legislative brilliance. Dr. Olofu’s current role as Senior Technical Adviser (Fiscal Policy) to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum puts him at the heart of national governance. He isn’t learning how the government works; he is already advising on how to make it work better.
We do not need a representative who is simply “experienced” in the status quo. We need a representative like Dr. Olofu who brings:
Economic Foresight: To attract federal investment and industrial growth to Zone C.
Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging his vast network across party lines and national institutions.
Integrity and Transparency: A record of public service that is focused on institutional development rather than personal gain.
I believe that 2027 is a time for a “New Dawn.” The challenges facing Benue South, from security concerns to the need for an agricultural revolution, require a fresh perspective backed by a heavy-duty professional resume.
Dr. David Olofu has shown that he can manage billions, lead national forums, and empower the vulnerable. If he could do all that as a Commissioner and an Adviser, imagine what he can achieve with the mandate of the good people of Benue South in the Senate.
Experience is not measured solely by years spent in a specific seat, but by the impact made in every seat one has occupied. By that metric, Dr. David Olofu is more than ready. He is the choice for progress.
Godwin Anyebe is a Journalist of Idoma Extraction.
