A major political shake-up is underway in Benue State as a new coalition of political actors and parties has emerged, vowing to challenge the long-standing dominance of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, made up of stakeholders from across the Benue South Senatorial District, convened over the weekend at Haggi Suite, Otukpo, where discussions centered on the formation of a formidable third-force movement aimed at redefining the political landscape in the state.
In a scathing critique of the current state of the PDP, former Benue State PDP Chairman, Chief John Ngbede, described the party as “decayed and hijacked by selfish interests.”; He lamented that the party no longer reflects the collective aspirations of the people.
“The PDP has been taken over by individuals who build barriers instead of bridges. They have imported poverty and division into our communities. It’s time to unite under a new coalition that will restore hope,”; Ngbede declared.
The emerging coalition draws support from all nine local government areas of Benue South Apa, Agatu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Otukpo, Okpokwu, Oju, and Obi.
Among key figures present at the meeting were Chief John Ngbede, Hon. David Olofu, Prof. David Salifu, Chief Chris Adaba Abah, Alhaji Audu Sule, Chief Abba Adaudu, Rt. Hon. Abu Umoru, Rt. Hon. Abu Edor, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu, and Mrs. Abeje Egwa.
Also speaking at the gathering, former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. David Olofu, criticized the present administration’s failure to address the chronic lack of infrastructure in rural areas, a situation he said has aggravated insecurity and deepened poverty.
“Any government that fails to invest in rural infrastructure fails its people. Insecurity thrives where there is abandonment. That’s why our people are desperate for an alternative platform, one that prioritizes dignity, safety, and sustainable development,”; he said.
