The 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has dismissed Senator Abba Moro’s call urging Idoma voters to turn against Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia in the 2027 elections, insisting that the people of Benue South will continue to support the governor.
Onjeh, in a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi, described Moro’s remarks as a desperate political move that does not reflect the reality on ground or the mood of the people in the zone.
He said, “The statement follows a pattern Benue South people already recognise from Senator Moro and elements of the PDP who, over the years, have relied on shifting political gimmicks to keep the zone tied down.”
According to him, the people of Benue South have heard similar promises in the past, including repeated assurances about the creation of Apa State which, he said, never materialised.
Onjeh said Senator Moro has not accused Governor Alia of poor performance, noting that the argument being made against the governor is mainly about claims of inequality.
“Such claims collapse once facts are carefully examined. If Senator Moro was sincere, he would present empirical evidence comparing what past administrations delivered for Benue South and what the present government is doing,” he said.
He pointed to several ongoing infrastructure projects in Benue South as evidence of development under the Alia administration.
He cited ongoing water projects in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, including works at Olachagbaha in Otukpa District and another in Owukpa, while noting that another water scheme has also been marked for Orokam.
“These interventions address longstanding needs in those communities and reflect practical governance beyond political talk. ”
According to him, these include the Igumale-Agila road corridor in Ado Local Government Area, the Oju-Awajir road project in Oju LGA, and road works in Agatu and neighbouring communities.
Onjeh also mentioned the rehabilitation of the Otobi Waterworks, which he said has restored water supply to Otukpo and surrounding communities after years of shortage.
“Residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities endured years of severe water shortage under earlier administrations, but renewed intervention has restored water access and brought visible relief to the people,” he said.
He added that development in the state capital should not be politicised.
He stressed that Makurdi belongs to all Benue people.
“Makurdi belongs to every Benue citizen, including Benue South. Projects in the capital are not the property of one zone but part of development for the entire state,” Onjeh said.
The former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also said Benue South currently holds several key positions in the state government, including ministries such as Finance; Education and Knowledge Management; Health and Human Services; Information, Culture and Tourism; Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change; and Women Affairs.
According to him, this weakens claims that the zone is being marginalised.
Onjeh also challenged Senator Moro to account for constituency project funds allocated to lawmakers.
“Public reports have consistently indicated that senators receive about ₦2 billion annually for constituency and zonal intervention projects. Senator Moro should explain to Benue South people what visible development those funds have produced,” he said.
He further urged leaders in the zone to focus on strengthening Benue South’s political relevance at the national level rather than engaging in what he described as political distractions.
“If Senator Moro truly means well for Benue South, he should be mobilising the people for stronger participation at the national level,” he said.
Onjeh maintained that Governor Alia’s performance so far has already surpassed that of previous administrations and called on the people of Benue to continue supporting the governor.
“Development is already visible and will continue to spread steadily across communities. No government can meet every demand at once, but with patience and committed leadership, progress will continue,” he said.
He added that development takes time and often comes in phases.
“Development comes in phases and will gradually reach every part of the state,” Onjeh said.
He expressed confidence that the Idoma people will support Governor Alia again in the 2027 election.
2027: Idoma will stand with Alia – Onjeh counters Moro