Benue South 2027: Abba Moro, David Mark’s daughter, Blessing Onuh eye third terms

In Benue South, election seasons rarely arrive suddenly; they announce themselves in whispers, arguments, and renewed loyalties.

Long before campaign banners appear on highways or party flags flood the streets, conversations across the zone are already circling two familiar faces: Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro and Honourable Blessing Onuh, a ranking member of the House of Representatives, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Both are widely believed to be positioning for third terms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has sparked mixed reactions across the zone, with supporters citing experience and performance, while critics argue it is time for a generational shift.

Abba Moro: Experience, influence and the Senate question

Senator Abba Moro assumed office in 2019, succeeding former Senate President David Mark, who had represented Benue South for 20 consecutive years, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Moro’s emergence marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new political chapter for Zone C since the return of democracy in 1999.

His debut election was emphatic. In 2019, Moro swept all the nine local government areas in the district, defeating his closest rival, Steve Lawani, with overwhelming grassroots support.

The 2023 election, however, told a more competitive story.

Although Moro secured a second term, he failed to replicate the clean sweep of 2019.

His votes were split across party lines, particularly by Dan Onjeh of the APC and Joe Ojobo of the Labour Party, indicating a shift toward a more competitive and fragmented political environment.

As 2027 approaches, political observers expect an even tougher contest, with indications that the APC and ADC may field strong candidates, setting the stage for a possible three-horse race.

For some critics, Senator Abba Moro’s renewed ambition has reignited concerns about political stagnation in Benue South.

One of the aspirants on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, Samuel Onuh, a former chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, argued that Moro should step aside after completing two terms in the Senate.

Onuh maintained that eight years in office provided sufficient opportunity to deliver on campaign promises, questioning the justification for seeking an additional term.

“I have no personal issue with Senator Abba Moro. He has served for eight years, which is a significant period,” Onuh said. “My point is simple: if there are things you could not achieve in eight years, what makes anyone think they will be achieved in twelve?”

On his part, a former lawmaker and chieftain of the ADC, Dan Atayi, aligned with Onuh, saying that four years is enough to prove a point.

Responding to growing criticism over Senator Abba Moro’s performance, his media aide, Apeh Peter, faulted comparisons between the senator’s constituency projects and the resources available to the Benue State Government, describing such arguments as misleading.

According to Apeh, many critics fail to understand the clear difference between the financial powers of a senator and those of a state governor.

“Senators only recommend projects to relevant ministries, departments and agencies, which then execute, supervise and pay contractors directly,” he said.

He added that Moro’s role, like that of other lawmakers, is largely legislative and supervisory, involving lobbying for projects, determining their locations, and attracting federal presence to the constituency.

Despite losing a sizeable number of political allies and party loyalists in recent months, Senator Moro remains a formidable force in Benue South politics, with deep-rooted structures that continue to command influence across the district.

For the first time since 2019, Moro is heading into an election cycle without some of his most trusted foot soldiers and long-standing allies. IDOMA VOICE observed that the Senator has suffered notable defections, with several key supporters and stakeholders crossing over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2025.

Among those who have parted ways with him are his former political principal and ex-Senate President, David Mark; his former campaign Director-General, Adakole Elijah; former Benue State PDP Chairman, John Ngbede; and former Oju/Obi federal lawmaker, Samson Okwu.

Other prominent figures who have exited his political camp include Anthony Agom, the Okpokwu State Constituency lawmaker; Hon. Chris Adaba Aba (Mad Lion); Pro-tem State Woman Leader, Abeje Egwa; Prof. Salifu David; Engr. Solomon Eigege; as well as several other stakeholders across the zone. Also notable is the defection of Patience Akor, a long-time loyalist from Ichama in Okpokwu Local Government Area, who recently joined the APC.

Nevertheless, political observers note that Moro’s enduring appeal, name recognition, and record as a ranking Senator continue to position him as a contender to reckon with in the 2027 Benue South senatorial contest. His supporters argue that, despite the shifting political landscape, the Senator still enjoys substantial goodwill across the district and retains the capacity to mobilise effectively ahead of the polls.

Blessing Onuh: Beyond re-election, a national role in view

In the House of Representatives, Honourable Blessing Onuh is equally drawing attention, not just for her possible third-term bid but for what may lie beyond it.

Onuh, who represents Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, is rounding off her second tenure and has steadily built a profile as a ranking lawmaker.

Her political journey began dramatically in 2019 when she defeated her uncle, Egli Ahubi Johnson, on the platform of APGA.

She later defected to the APC in 2022 and went on to defeat Alex Ogbeh of the PDP to secure a second term in 2023.

Among her supporters, she is fondly called “High Tension”, a reflection of her energetic style and grassroots engagement, particularly among women and youth.

In 2027, Onuh is expected to face stiff competition for the APC ticket from aspirants such as Lilian Adoyi, Sunday Mark, and others.

While some argue she should step aside after two terms, others believe her ambition is only beginning to crystallise.

Crucially, there are growing feelers within the APC that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives may be zoned to the North Central in 2027. If that zoning materialises, insiders say Onuh could emerge as a strong contender, provided she returns to the House.

“She is no longer a rookie. She is a ranking lawmaker, and zoning may work in her favour,” a party source said. “That kind of opportunity could place Benue South on a bigger national stage.”

However, political alignments within the constituency appear to be shifting.

IDOMA VOICE observed that political alignments within the constituency appear to be shifting.

Observations across Ohimini Local Government Area suggest that a significant number of supporters who queued behind Blessing Onuh during the 2019 and 2023 elections have begun to realign with other aspirants, particularly Lilian Adoyi on the ground of equity.

This development is largely attributed to the prevailing zoning arrangement, which many stakeholders argue favours Ohimini for the House of Representatives seat in 2027.

With Lilian Adoyi emerging as a leading contender from the area, Onuh is believed to have lost substantial grassroots backing, as former loyalists appear to have pitched their tents elsewhere in growing numbers.

The days ahead…

As Benue South approaches another defining electoral cycle, uncertainty swings between continuity and change.

Senator Abba Moro and Honourable Blessing Onuh stand at opposite ends of that pendulum, Moro drawing on experience, influence and a resilient grassroots network, Onuh navigating the pull between constituency loyalty and emerging national opportunity.

The coming elections are more than contests between individuals; they are a measure of shifting allegiances, generational expectations and political resolve.

Whispers in market squares, debates over dinner tables and the quiet realignment of supporters show a constituency carefully weighing its choices.

When the votes are cast, the 2027 race will reveal not just the fortunes of seasoned politicians but the pulse of a people in motion.

In Benue South, every election swings between legacy and renewal, reflecting the aspirations of its citizens and their enduring demand for leaders who truly resonate.