2027: ‘Test your popularity, not zoning’ – Abba Moro blasts Abounu-led group for backing Apa/Agatu for senate

The office of the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has dismissed a recent press conference organised by a group known as the Benue South Strategic Group, describing it as politically motivated and lacking legitimacy.

In a statement issued by the Media Adviser to the Senator, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, the camp said it watched “with amusement” the claims made by the group, which had reportedly announced a zoning arrangement for the Benue South Senate seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group, led by Engr. Benson Abuonu, had declared that the senatorial ticket had been zoned to Apa/Agatu and Oju/Obi federal constituencies, while asking aspirants from Otukpo/Ohimini and other areas to step aside.

However, Senator Moro’s camp strongly rejected the position, questioning the authority and constitutional basis upon which the group made such pronouncements.

According to the statement, the zoning formula “offends the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)” and cannot be imposed by individuals or politically aligned interests.

The camp further alleged that members of the group are known affiliates of a particular political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting they cannot claim to speak for the entire Benue South Senatorial District.

“It is preposterous for a group with its own political interests and agenda to dictate to others or ask them to jettison their aspirations,” the statement read.

The Senator’s office also accused the group of engaging in political gang-up, stressing that their actions reflect a long-standing pattern of exclusionary politics.

“Those parading themselves as the Benue South Strategic Group are simply playing on the intelligence of our people. They are hiding behind zoning to push a personal agenda,” the statement added.

The camp cited past political leaders such as Senator David Mark, Senator Ameh Ebute, and Senator Abba Moro himself, noting that none emerged through rigid zoning arrangements.

While reaffirming Senator Moro’s support for fairness and equity, the statement clarified that he remains committed to structured power rotation but not what it described as “manipulative zoning disguised as consensus.”

The camp also urged the group to “test their popularity in the field” rather than attempting to impose candidates through zoning rhetoric.

“If they are confident in their choices, they should go to the communities and present their candidates, not hide behind zoning formulas that cannot withstand public scrutiny,” the statement said.

It further advised the group to extend their zoning proposal to all elective positions in the zone, including governorship, House of Representatives, and state assembly seats, if they are truly committed to fairness.

The statement called on residents of Benue South to disregard the group, describing it as an interest-driven association “on a personal vendetta rather than a genuine regional agenda.”