_Mass exit over alleged imposition signals deepening cracks in umbrella party ahead of governorship race

By Felix Umande from Makurdi

The political landscape in Benue State shifted sharply on Monday as entire Peoples Democratic Party structures in Gboko Local Government Area defected en masse to the Social Democratic Party, citing frustration over the PDP’s handling of its 2027 governorship ticket.

Leading the exodus was the PDP Chairman of Mbatan Ward, Hon. Ikese Ayisa, who moved to the SDP alongside his full executive committee.

The group said the move was in solidarity with Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN, the SDP’s declared candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election.

“We can no longer remain in a party where tickets are unilaterally and undemocratically awarded by one person without the sanctity of the vote, and other party decisions are taken without regard for the people at the grassroots,” Ayisa said during the defection ceremony.

“Our loyalty is to a candidate who understands the law, understands governance, and has shown commitment to Benue people.”

The trend extended beyond ward executives. Last week, Barr. Williams Agbatar, a former Commissioner for Industry and Cooperative, announced his resignation from the PDP in Mbayongo Ward, Vandeikya LGA. Agbatar accused the party leadership of sidelining popular sentiment by handing the governorship ticket to Chief Michael Aondoakaa SAN.

“The umbrella party has failed to listen to the voice of the people. Allocating the ticket to Chief Aondoakaa, who many consider unpopular, is a disservice to PDP members and to Benue State,” he said.

He described his exit as a protest against “imposition and disregard for internal democracy” and pledged to work with the SDP to provide a credible alternative in 2027.

Political observers say the defections could weaken the PDP’s structure in Benue North-West and other parts of the state, where Hon’s legal background and advocacy work have earned him significant following.

“This is not just about one ward,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity. “When ward executives and former commissioners move together, it tells you there’s a breakdown in trust. If the PDP does not manage this quickly, it risks losing more structures to the SDP.”

The SDP has been positioning itself as the main alternative ahead of 2027. Prof. Hon, a renowned legal practitioner and philanthropist, formally declared his aspiration earlier this year and has been consolidating support across the state.

With months to go before the 2027 polls, the early realignments suggest a fiercely contested race. For now, the SDP appears to be the immediate beneficiary of the PDP’s internal disagreements, while the umbrella party faces the challenge of managing dissent and holding its structures together.

–Nigeria is not a poor country; it is rooted in poverty by poor leadership –Obi
–“I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South” –Kwankwaso

By Our Reporter

A one-term presidential ticket for 2027 election has been zoned to southern Nigeria by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC and the Vice Presidential Candidate to the North.

This resolution which was taken at the maiden edition of NDC’s National Convention held at the Los Angeles Event Centre, Abuja has set the stage for the former Anambra governor, Mr Peter Obi and southerners to proceed with their presidential ambition under NDC.

The motion for the single term which was moved by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, Afam Victor Ogene was adopted by the delegates.

The convention also resolved that after the four-year single term, the Presidential ticket will be automatically zoned to the north.

While moving the motion, Ogene explained that the zoning arrangement reflected the party’s commitment to justice, inclusiveness and national stability. “In recognition of our country’s diversity and the need for balance, the party has resolved that the presidency shall rotate to the South in 2027 for a single term and subsequently return to the North in 2031.”

According to him, the decision was more than a political arrangement but “a moral statement on national cohesion” intended to reduce tensions surrounding the nation’s long-running power rotation debate.

The adoption of the resolution sparked excitement among delegates and supporters at the convention venue, just as the development comes amid ongoing political realignments across the country as opposition parties intensify consultations and coalition talks ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, said that the movement was determined to rescue Nigeria from poverty, insecurity and what he described as leadership failure.

“We are not changing political platforms for transactional reasons. We are making a principled decision to find a platform that gives us the opportunity to build a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Obi who warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition politics in the country, said that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state: “Today in Nigeria, beneficiaries of democracy are becoming agents of the destruction of democracy.
“We must insist that Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Nigeria must remain a democracy and we are determined that in 2027 there will be free, fair and credible elections.”

Condemning the worsening economic and security conditions,
Obi added, “Nigeria is not a poor country; it is a country rooted in poverty by poor leadership and governance.”

On what the party would do, the former Anambra State governor promised that the NDC would pursue policies aimed at transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven economy while restoring national security and public trust in governance.

In his words, “We want a Nigeria where citizens are safe whether in Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Benue, Rivers or anywhere else in the country.”

Also speaking at the convention, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who backed the zoning arrangement, described it as a courageous step toward national healing and inclusion, just as he said that Nigeria urgently needed visionary alliances capable of repositioning the country for growth and stability.

In the words of the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, “I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South in the interest of fairness, equity and national inclusion.This presents a true opportunity for national healing and genuine nation-building.”

Kwankwaso moaned that Nigeria was passing through one of its most difficult periods due to poor governance, insecurity and economic decline adding that, “There has been a sharp decline in the quality of governance. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the country. Millions have been displaced from their homes while investments are fleeing.”

On his part, the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson accused the ruling government of intimidating opposition parties and shrinking democratic space, saying that the party cannot be threatened or intimidated.

“The Nigerian opposition landscape is heavily compromised, intimidated and constricted.”

The NDC National leader revealed that the party had endured years of legal and administrative hurdles before eventually securing registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier this year, “The Independent National Electoral Commission complied and issued us a certificate of registration in February this year.
“Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal in any court against that decision and INEC has duly registered our party.
“In the national interest and in line with the principles upon which the NDC was established, we have taken a historic resolution on zoning”, he added.

By Our Reporter

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Benue State gubernatorial aspirant under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sebastine Hon, has promised Nigerians “law, order and prosperity” if the horse party is voted into power.

Addressing the SDP National Convention delegates on Saturday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Bauchi State, the guber hopeful said SDP represents a platform for “law, order and prosperity” in Nigeria.

He urged party members and supporters across Nigeria to mobilize for victory.

Prof. Hon also congratulated Prince Adebayo Adewale who was voted the Presidential Candidate of the party at the convention.

Prince Adewale was the party’s presidential candidate in 2023.

Earlier in his address, the National Chairman of SDP, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe decried the state of affairs saying, “Nigeria is bleeding. Nigeria is in dire need of upright leadership, committed to the well-being of the generality of Nigerians.

“I assure you, SDP is the alternative platform.”

Meanwhile, Prof Hon’s entry into SDP has been described as a boost for the party’s profile in Benue State and the North-Central region.

A delegate who made this assertion added that the aspirant’s record as a legal practitioner and philanthropist positioned him as a credible alternative for voters seeking change in the state in 2027.

He expressed confidence in Prof. Hon, describing him as an accomplished legal luminary, a complete gentleman with the fear of God and a philanthropist.

Political observers say Prof. Hon’s entry will reshape the contest, particularly among professionals, civil society groups, women and youths dissatisfied with the management of insecurity, delivery of development projects and job creation in Benue State.

While acknowledging a hitch free meeting, the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Prof. Usman Bugaje lamented that Nigerians have been left in excruciating poverty, adding that SDP is positioned to provide fresh and competent leaders for the country.

“Our great supporters, it’s time for a change,” he charged the crowd.