2027: Abba Moro declares self ‘Benue South governor’, says Alia has failed

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, has declared himself the “governor” of Benue South Senatorial District, saying he has accepted the responsibility of providing leadership for the zone.

Moro, who represents Benue South in the Senate, made the declaration on Saturday during the flag-off of his 2027 re-election campaign at St. Andrew’s Primary School Field, Otukpo.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senator took a swipe at the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing it of failing to meet the expectations of the people of Benue South.

“In the absence of a state governor in Zone C, I have accepted to be your governor,” Moro told supporters at the campaign rally.

The senator, who is seeking another term in the National Assembly, said his decision was informed by the need to provide political leadership and representation for the people of the senatorial district.

Moro used the occasion to highlight his activities in the Senate, including bills, motions and constituency projects, and promised to consolidate on them if returned to the National Assembly in 2027.

He identified infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and youth development as areas he would continue to prioritise.

The senator also urged his supporters to remain united and conduct themselves peacefully during the electioneering period.

The rally was attended by the PDP governorship candidate in Benue State, Mike Aondoakaa, SAN; former Governor Samuel Ortom; PDP State Chairman, Ezekiel Awulu Adaji; and other party leaders and candidates.

Aondoakaa, Ortom and Adaji, in their separate remarks, canvassed support for Moro and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.

The event also witnessed the defection of an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, John Ochoga, to the PDP.

Ochoga said he joined the PDP to align with Moro, arguing that the Senate currently represents the highest political office occupied by a politician from Benue South.

Organisers of the rally also claimed that some APC members in Benue South endorsed Moro’s re-election bid and pledged to mobilise support for him across the district.

Before the campaign flag-off, Moro visited the Och’Idoma Palace, where he presented his Certificate of Return to the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo, and members of the Idoma Area Traditional Council.

Moro said the visit was to show respect to the traditional institution and seek royal blessings ahead of the campaign.

The Och’Idoma and the Ad’Enone, HRH George Ede, offered prayers for the senator and wished him well.

Moro also visited Methodist Archbishop Joshua Yusufu Ngbede and other Christian leaders, where he sought prayers for his campaign and Benue South.