Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has secured the All Progressives Congress ticket to contest for re election into the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The serving federal lawmaker emerged victorious during the APC primary election conducted in Benue State, positioning her for another electoral battle as she seeks to retain her seat in the National Assembly under the platform of the ruling party.
Her victory has generated widespread political attention both within Benue State and across the country due to her political background, legislative profile, and the influence associated with her father, former Senate President David Mark, who remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
Blessing Onuh currently represents the Otukpo Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Since her emergence in the National Assembly, she has remained active in legislative duties and constituency engagements, building political support within her constituency and strengthening her standing within the APC structure in Benue State.
According to reports from the primary election, party delegates and APC members participated in the exercise conducted across the constituency as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. At the conclusion of voting and collation, Onuh secured the highest number of votes to emerge as the APC candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
Party officials subsequently declared her winner of the primary election, confirming her nomination to represent the APC in the forthcoming general election contest.
Political analysts have described her victory as significant because it highlights the continued influence of established political families in Nigeria’s democratic process. Although her father currently leads the African Democratic Congress at the national level, Blessing Onuh has continued to build her political career within the APC, where she has maintained active participation and support among party stakeholders.
Observers note that her emergence reflects not only the political relevance of her family name but also her growing grassroots support and visibility within her constituency. Over the years, she has remained involved in constituency projects, youth engagements, and empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening her political connection with local communities.
Her supporters have argued that her legislative experience and constituency outreach contributed significantly to her victory during the APC primary election.
The APC primaries in Benue State have attracted considerable public interest due to increasing political competition among aspirants seeking legislative positions under the ruling party. Several constituencies across the state witnessed intense consultations, strategic alliances, and political mobilization ahead of the primary elections.
In the Otukpo Ohimini Federal Constituency, the contest was closely watched because of Blessing Onuh’s status as an incumbent lawmaker and her family’s long standing influence within Benue politics.
David Mark, her father, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. He served as Senate President for eight years and represented Benue South Senatorial District in the National Assembly for nearly two decades. His political legacy continues to shape political discussions in Benue State and beyond.
Despite belonging to different political parties, political observers say the relationship between David Mark’s enduring political influence and Blessing Onuh’s APC career remains an important factor in understanding the broader political dynamics surrounding her emergence.
Supporters of the lawmaker celebrated her victory shortly after the announcement of results, describing it as a reflection of confidence in her representation and leadership style. Many party loyalists praised her legislative contributions and expressed optimism about her chances in the forthcoming general election.
Her emergence has also been viewed as a positive development for female political participation in Nigeria, where women continue to seek greater representation in elective offices despite longstanding challenges.
Political commentators have repeatedly pointed out that female politicians in Nigeria often face structural barriers during party primaries, including financial limitations, limited political support, and stiff competition in male dominated political environments.
Against that backdrop, Blessing Onuh’s successful primary election victory is being regarded by some observers as an encouraging development for women seeking leadership positions within major political parties.
Meanwhile, APC leaders in Benue State have continued to urge party members and aspirants to maintain unity following the conclusion of the primary elections. Party officials emphasized the need for reconciliation among supporters and collective efforts toward strengthening the APC ahead of the general elections.
As preparations intensify for the 2027 polls, attention is expected to shift toward campaign activities and possible political realignments across Benue State and the wider North Central region.
Analysts believe the forthcoming House of Representatives election in the Otukpo Ohimini Federal Constituency will remain politically significant due to the profile of the incumbent lawmaker and the influence associated with her family background.
With the APC ticket now secured, Blessing Onuh is expected to begin broader political consultations and campaign engagements as she prepares to seek another term in the House of Representatives.
