Ex- Benue deputy  governor warns against third-term bid

….. insists on zoning in Benue South

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Immediate past Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, has claimed that the Idoma nation came close to producing the governor of the state in 2023, but alleged that the ambition was frustrated by the actions of former Governor Samuel Ortom and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu.

Abounu, who made the claim while speaking with journalists in Makurdi said he was encouraged to contest the 2023 governorship election by several prominent political leaders who, according to him, were prepared to support an Idoma candidate.

He alleged that Ortom had initially assured him that he would support his emergence, while Ayu and other prominent politicians subsequently encouraged him to enter the race.

The former deputy governor said he had no initial ambition to contest the governorship, but was persuaded by political stakeholders who approached him and presented the contest as an opportunity for the Tiv and Idoma to deepen political understanding and power rotation in the state.

According to him, Ayu was among the first prominent politicians to approach him and encourage him to contest, followed by former Governor Gabriel Suswam, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Iyorwuese Hagher, and other stakeholders.

Abounu, however, alleged that the political support later changed, claiming that those who initially encouraged his candidacy subsequently worked against his emergence during the PDP governorship primary.

He recalled that after the G-9 group presented him as its preferred Idoma candidate, Ortom allegedly directed members of the G-14 to present the then Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba, as the preferred Tiv candidate.

Abounu further alleged that the primary election was manipulated against him, despite what he described as strong support generated during his campaign across parts of the state.

He claimed that he had secured substantial support in areas including Jegban, Gwer and parts of Vandeikya, but said the political process eventually worked against his aspiration. 

He also alleged that Senator Abba Moro played a role in the voting pattern of delegates from Okpokwu.

The former deputy governor, however, said he held no personal grudge against Ortom or Moro, stressing that political outcomes were ultimately subject to God’s will.

Abounu’s comments also turned to the 2027 political contest in Benue South, where he advocated adherence to zoning and rotation of elective positions across the senatorial district.

He cautioned politicians seeking a third or fourth consecutive term in the Senate to consider the implications of prolonged occupation of political positions by one section of the district, arguing that such a situation could create disenchantment among other communities.

The former deputy governor maintained that zoning remained important for promoting fairness, equity and political stability in Benue South, particularly because the district comprises different political blocs with qualified individuals capable of representing the people.

He noted that the senatorial district had previously witnessed a transition from former Senate President David Mark, who represented the district for several years, to Abba Moro, who emerged as his successor in 2015.

Moro, who represents Benue South in the Senate, is currently seeking another term, according to the political context surrounding the 2027 election.

Abounu said the principle of rotation should not be restricted to the Senate, arguing that other elective positions, including the governorship, should equally be considered within broader discussions about equity and political inclusion.

He said: “Zoning at this level of our democratic development is absolutely important. There is no area in Benue South where we do not have people who are highly qualified for any position in government.”

While advocating zoning, Abounu cautioned voters against choosing candidates solely on the basis of where they come from, urging them to combine considerations of fairness with an assessment of candidates’ antecedents, character, competence and records of service.

He particularly urged the electorate to examine the previous public service records of candidates, their relationship with constituents and their willingness to listen to the concerns of the people.

According to him, political office should be viewed primarily as an opportunity to serve rather than a means of acquiring wealth and influence.

“Public office is not meant to be an avenue for acquiring money and affluence. If someone wants money and affluence, there are legitimate businesses they can engage in. 

But when you are representing the people in the political sector, it is about service,” he said.

Abounu therefore called on the people of Benue South to approach the 2027 elections with political maturity, insisting that candidates should be judged not only by their political ambitions but also by their commitment to the welfare and development of their constituents.