 in Benue North East Senatorial District (Zone A) has pledged to rebuild the party’s strength and reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.){kind=link}
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue North East Senatorial District (Zone A) has pledged to rebuild the party’s strength and reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
This resolution followed an expanded caucus meeting held in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area, at the residence of the late Chief Aker Gajir.
The meeting, presided over by the State Vice Chairman for Zone A, Hon. Abraham Waroh, brought together key party stakeholders, officials, and grassroots leaders from across the seven local government areas of the district.
In a communiqué endorsed by representatives from each LGA, the caucus expressed deep concern over the worsening security crisis in the state, particularly the continuous attacks by armed herders.
The gathering described the violence as an existential threat to the people of Benue and condemned what it called a slow and inadequate response by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The PDP accused the current government of failing to act decisively to curb the killings and displacement of residents, warning that the attacks appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to seize ancestral lands from indigenous communities.
The party reaffirmed its support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, passed under former Governor Samuel Ortom.
It emphasized that the law remains the most effective solution to address the security threat posed by herders and called on the Alia-led government to enforce it fully.
Sympathizing with victims of the attacks, the caucus criticized the state government’s handling of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) crisis.
It accused Governor Alia of reneging on his promise to return IDPs to their communities, noting that displacement figures have tripled under his watch, with no concrete steps taken to address their plight two years into his administration.
The PDP further demanded full local government autonomy, insisting that council chairmen be granted access to statutory allocations from the federation account, in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
The party decried the withholding of LG funds, noting that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, no local government in Benue has executed basic projects such as boreholes or public toilets.
On financial issues, the caucus urged the state government to clear outstanding salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
It lamented that Benue remains the only state in the country still owing such arrears, despite the increase in federal allocations post-subsidy removal.
To strengthen its base, the PDP resolved to extend the expanded caucus model to the local government and ward levels.
The caucus also distanced itself from any coalition with external groups or individuals, warning members against affiliations that could compromise the PDP’s unity or undermine its mission.
It particularly cautioned against alliances with those perceived as land grabbers or destabilizing forces in the state.
In a show of solidarity, the caucus passed a vote of confidence in Chief Samuel Ortom, the party’s leader in Benue, and expressed full support for State Chairman Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji and the State Working Committee.
Party leaders reiterated their commitment to regaining political control of Benue in 2027, vowing to focus on economic revitalization, improved security, and better governance for the people.