BY AHMED AKANBI
Aggrieved members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue South Senatorial District, under the aegis of NDC Integrity Group, at the weekend, dumped the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s senatorial candidate, Daniel Onjeh, for Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as preferred candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The group, led by its Zonal Coordinator, Hon Yakubu Audu, made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, while also declaring total support for the Strategic Alliance being led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in Benue State.
Explaining the electoral coalition concept for Benue South in 2027, Audu said the need to retain a strong voice for Benue South in the Senate informed the decision to dump the NDC senatorial candidate for Moro ahead of the January 16, 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
”The voice you have been giving the Benue South Senatorial District in the Senate as Minority Leader needs to be sustained in the 11th National Assembly. We cannot bring any new person into the Senate for Benue South now without the needed voice.
”In picking you outside our party as preferred candidate for the senatorial contest, we are taking the right step for the general interest of Benue South Senatorial District on account of effective representation you have been giving the people since 2019.
”In line with the saying that who the cap fits, let him wear it, we are here to openly pledge our support for you in the coming election,” he said.
Also declaring support for Senator Moro and President Tinubu, the State Coordinator of the NDC Integrity Group, Hon. Emmanuel Orih, said the move was in line with the Benue State Strategic Alliance being led by Senator Akume.
”For the 2027 general election and particularly for Benue South, our concept is electoral coalition which is making us prefer Distinguished Senator Abba Moro as candidate of PDP for the election and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC as preferred candidate for the presidential position.
”We are in NDC but see Senator Abba Moro of the PDP as the most suitable candidate for Benue South Senatorial District and President Bola Tinubu as the preferred candidate for the presidency,” he said.
In his response, Senator Moro thanked the group for placing the interest of Benue South above partisan considerations.
He said the action aligns with the strategic alliance being led by Senator Akume and which he believes is for the good of all, particularly in Benue State.
According to him, promises and realities would shape voters’ choices.
”For the Presidential election, are we to be listening to candidates that will come and be telling us what they have in plan to do or vote for the one that is already doing concrete things?
”President Bola Tinubu on road infrastructure alone has constructed Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi Road and is also working on Otukpo-Enugu Federal Highway.
”For me, such a person on the template of reality should be the preferred presidential candidate to vote for by Benue people and not those that are just at the level of making promises.
”The same consideration as you have done for me should be used for those contesting for the governorship position in the State.
”Specifically, are Benue South people supposed to look at the direction of a governor that had spent three years without a single project for commissioning in the area or a governor who gave N40million to family of Chairman of Miyetti Allah allegedly killed and N4million to the families of victims of attacks on Otukpo-Nobi community?
”I am not against Father Alia but against government led by him. I am not against the Tiv nation but against the t man who has no regard for the existence of other tribes in the state,” Moro said.