Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, has accused the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of neglecting the people of Zone C, saying the district has “never had it so bad” under the present government.
Moro made the allegation at St. Andrew’s Primary School Field, Otukpo, where he officially flagged off his campaign for re-election to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain challenged the Benue State Government to produce evidence of what it has described as its “giant strides” across Benue South.
“It is not enough for them to say that the Governor has taken giant strides. Where are the strides? And today I challenge them, let them come forward and show us from village to village, from local government to local government, where the giant strides are?” Moro asked.
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The senator maintained that the situation in Benue South would have been worse without projects and interventions attracted to the district through his office.
He also dismissed criticism of his performance in the National Assembly, describing those questioning his achievements as people who were unaware of his legislative interventions.
Moro listed several bills, motions, constituency projects and other interventions which he said had positively affected the lives of people across the senatorial district.
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According to him, his record in the Senate remains available for scrutiny and speaks for itself.
Moro promises more projects if re-elected
The senator promised to consolidate the gains recorded during his tenure and pursue greater opportunities for the people of Benue South if re-elected in 2027.
He identified infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and youth development as some of the areas he would prioritise.
Moro said particular attention would be given to initiatives capable of improving livelihoods, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the economic base of the senatorial district.
He also appealed to his supporters to maintain peace throughout the political season and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
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The senator called for issue-based campaigns, respect for democratic values and unity among the people of Benue South.
He urged residents of the district to participate actively in the electoral process, saying his campaign would be built around service, integrity and the collective interests of the people.
The campaign flag-off attracted PDP leaders, political stakeholders, community leaders, supporters and residents from various parts of Benue South.
PDP leaders rally support for Moro
Speaking at the event, PDP State Chairman, Chief Ezekiel Adaji; the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN; and former Governor and PDP leader in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, commended Moro’s performance in the Senate.
They urged party members and supporters to take the campaign message to their respective communities and mobilise support for Moro and other PDP candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ortom also directed the party to produce a pamphlet documenting Moro’s projects, legislative interventions and other achievements recorded during his seven years in the Senate.
The event also featured the presentation of campaign flags to Moro, House of Representatives candidates and candidates contesting seats in the Benue State House of Assembly.
APC chieftain defects to PDP
One of the major highlights of the campaign flag-off was the defection of an APC chieftain, Chief John Ochoga, to the PDP.
Ochoga said he decided to leave the APC and support Moro in what he described as an effort to protect the political interests of Benue South.
He argued that the Senate remained the highest elective political office occupied by the zone and said Moro’s performance had convinced him that the senator deserved another term.
Ochoga pledged to work for Moro’s re-election in 2027.
The event also witnessed claims that some APC members in Zone C had endorsed Moro’s re-election bid and pledged to mobilise their supporters for him.
Moro seeks traditional rulers’ blessings
Earlier, Moro and members of his delegation visited the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo, where he presented his Certificate of Return to the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Dr John Elaigwu Odugbo, and members of the Idoma Traditional Council.
Moro said the visit was a demonstration of respect for the traditional institution and an opportunity to seek the monarchs’ blessings before commencing his campaign.
He assured the Och’Idoma and members of the traditional council of his continued collaboration with the traditional institution towards the development of Benue South.
In separate remarks, the Och’Idoma and Ad’Enone, HRH Engr. George Ede, commended Moro for what they described as his humility and wisdom.
They also prayed for his success in the forthcoming election.
Moro subsequently visited the residence of the Methodist Archbishop of Benue State, Most Rev. Archbishop Joshua Ngbede.
The senator said the delegation was at the residence to appreciate religious leaders for their contributions to the development of Zone C and to seek their prayers ahead of the political season.
Archbishop Ngbede commended Moro for the visit and assured him of the church’s continued prayers for him and for peace in Benue South.
He was joined by the Methodist Archbishop of Enone, Most Rev. B.I. Ikwulono; Methodist Bishop of Enone South, Rt. Rev. G.I. Ali; Methodist Archbishop of Igede Archdiocese, Most Rev. Testimony Simeon; Bishop of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Zone C, Bishop Samuel Ibinigie, and other religious leaders in receiving Moro and his delegation.
The senator’s campaign now moves into the wider political season as parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
