Benue South 2027: APC, PDP have lost their glory, says NDC candidate Dave Ogbole

The Benue South Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Pastor Dave Ogbole, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have “lost their glory,” insisting that the people of Benue South are ready for a new political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogbole, who spoke during an interview on The Conversation on Idoma Television, described both parties as exhausted political platforms that no longer inspire confidence among voters.

“The APC and PDP are simply dancers enjoying faded applause. There is no longer any glory in either party,” he said.

The NDC flag bearer criticized the APC-led administration in Benue State, questioning what he described as the lack of tangible development projects and political influence for Benue South despite producing the state’s deputy governor.

“I pity those who still defend the APC in Benue South. What meaningful development has Benue South received since the APC came into government? How much political influence has the Deputy Governor, who comes from Benue South, been able to wield for the benefit of the district? Very little,” he said.

According to Ogbole, residents of the district have chosen to express their dissatisfaction through the ballot box rather than violence.

“Benue South people are not responding with anger on social media. We are waiting to respond with our ballots. Instead of bullets, we shall respond with ballots,” he stated.

He also questioned what he described as the slow pace of infrastructure development in Zone C, citing unfulfilled road projects and the absence of major infrastructure comparable to other parts of the state.

“The Otobi–Ojantele road remains a promise. Several road projects remain promises. The technical school project remains a promise. Does Zone C not deserve an underpass? Why are there underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko, yet little or no comparable infrastructure in Benue South?” he asked.

Turning to the opposition PDP, Ogbole argued that the party has also lost public confidence because of its lingering internal crisis.

“As for the PDP, people are equally tired. The PDP is struggling with internal divisions. Its leadership crisis has weakened the party. The legal battles continue. The same applies to the ADC, which is also dealing with internal disputes and court cases. These parties are divided. A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he said.

The former Principal Special Assistant to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom maintained that the NDC offers a credible alternative for voters seeking change.

Responding to concerns about whether the relatively new party has the structure to compete in the district, Ogbole argued that political strength lies in people rather than party offices.

“Structures are not buildings. Structures are people. The moment His Excellency Peter Obi joined the NDC, a large number of supporters moved with him. When people like us joined, many others also followed. People are the structure. Our structure already exists through supporters across Benue South. We have a formidable political base,” he said.

Ogbole expressed confidence that the NDC would perform strongly in the 2027 elections, saying the party is optimistic of winning elective positions, including the presidency, Senate and House of Representatives.