**Benue Christian Elders Unite Behind Former NCPC Boss as Consensus Gubernatorial Candidate** In a move that could shape the political landscape of Benue State in the 2027 general elections, the Council of Christian Elders in the state has identified a consensus candidate to represent their interests at the polls. The group has thrown its weight behind Dr. Tor Uja, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), in a bid to produce a governor who will prioritize the welfare of Christian communities in Benue. Dr. Uja, a seasoned administrator, had a distinguished career in public service, overseeing the NCPC's operations and ensuring the smooth execution of pilgrimages to holy sites in Israel and other destinations. His tenure at the helm of the NCPC was marked by notable achievements, including improved pilgrim welfare and enhanced security measures. The endorsement of Dr. Uja by the Council of Christian Elders is seen as a strategic move to ensure that a candidate with a deep understanding of Christian values and a proven track record in public administration is presented as a viable alternative to other contenders in the 2027 gubernatorial election. By uniting behind a single candidate, the Christian elders in Benue aim to strengthen their negotiating position with other political stakeholders and ensure that their interests are given due consideration during the election. The choice of Dr. Uja as the consensus candidate is also seen as a reflection of the Christian community's desire to produce a leader who will promote peaceful coexistence and address the perennial security challenges facing the state. With the backdrop of communal conflicts and banditry in Benue, the Christian elders are banking on Dr. Uja's reputation as a crisis manager to provide the much-needed leadership to bring about lasting peace and stability to the state. As the 2027 general elections draw near, the endorsement of Dr. Tor Uja by the Council of Christian Elders in Benue State has sent a signal that the Christian community in the state is ready to present a united front and push for a candidate who will prioritize their interests and promote the values of peace, justice, and unity.