By Damilola Samuel
Six political parties in Benue South Senatorial District have declared their support for Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting in Otukpo, where representatives of the parties said they had consulted their various structures before arriving at the position.
The parties involved are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Action Peoples Party (APP).
Speaking on behalf of the parties, ZLP State Chairman, Simon Ogbeh, said their decision followed what he described as due diligence and assessment of the candidates seeking the senatorial seat.
“After due diligence and verification of all the candidates that are contesting this election, we have assessed them and we have come to an agreement,” Ogbeh said.
He said the coalition would take the decision to the grassroots and work to bring more political parties into the alliance, adding that its consideration went beyond zoning.
“At this point, we are talking about competence, we are talking about track record, and we are talking about integrity,” Ogbeh said.
Ogbeh added that another stakeholders’ meeting would be held ahead of a formal endorsement, with the coalition expected to mobilise more parties and their structures in support of Moro.
The Labour Party’s Abure faction in Benue was represented by its state leader, Ibrahim Idoko. He said consultations had been held with constituency chairmen, secretaries, women leaders and youths across the local governments in Zone C.
Idoko said the consultations produced support for Moro, while indicating that the party would continue mobilising its members ahead of the election.
“Our support for Moro is intended to enable him consolidate on his achievements in the senatorial district,” he said.
The Legacy faction of the ADC also joined the move. Its Benue State Chairman, Elias Adikwu, said his stakeholders had collectively resolved to support Moro.
“Their decision this morning was that we have all declared our support for Senator Abba Moro,” Adikwu said.
Adikwu, however, said his faction had not had its candidates’ names uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite his claim that he remained the commission’s recognised state chairman of the party. He said the faction would nevertheless support Moro.
Women leaders at the meeting also pledged to mobilise support across their constituencies.
Legacy ADC Women Leader, Ochanya Attah, said the women would work together to take the message of the alliance to their grassroots structures.
Similarly, ZLP Women Leader, Sandra Efada, said, “Our resolve to support Abba Moro is non-negotiable.”
The coalition said it plans to expand its membership before the 2027 election and formally present its endorsement after further consultations. The development comes as political parties and groups in Benue South continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
