The expanded caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue Benue North East Senatorial District (Zone A), today rose from its meeting in in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area with a commitment to make the party stronger and ready to reclaim power in 2027.
The meeting which was held at the residence of the late Chief Aker Gajir under the leadership of the party’s State Vice Chairman, Zone A, Hon. Abraham Waroh, drew key stakeholders, party officials, local government representatives, and grassroots leaders from across Benue North East.
In a communiqué signed by three stakeholders from each of the seven local government areas the caucus expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the state, condemning the relentless attacks and killings by armed herders, which the meeting described as an existential threat to Benue communities.
The party called on the current administration led by Governor Hyacinth Alia to take urgent and decisive action to restore peace and stability, emphasizing that the ongoing attacks are part of a broader agenda aimed at taking over Benue’s ancestral lands.
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The PDP caucus extended sympathy to victims of Fulani terrorist attacks, many of whom have lost loved ones and been displaced from their homes. The party reiterated its support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017, enacted during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom. The party maintained that the law remains the most effective solution to the security threats posed by Fulani herdsmen, urging the current government to uphold and enforce it without compromise.
A major point of discussion was the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The PDP accused Governor Alia of failing to fulfill his promise to return IDPs to their ancestral lands, noting that two years into his administration, the number of displaced persons has tripled and their plight remains unresolved.
The caucus also demanded that Governor Alia grant full local government autonomy, allowing council chairmen access to their rightful funds from the federation account, as mandated by the Supreme Court last year. The meeting criticized the current administration for withholding local government resources, a decision which has hampered essential service delivery, highlighted by the fact that no local government in Benue has been able to construct even a basic borehole or toilet since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023.
PDP further called on the Benue State governor to clear outstanding salaries, pensions, and gratuities, emphasizing that Benue is currently the only state in Nigeria still owing such arrears in the wake of subsidy removal, which has increased revenue at the state and local government levels.
The caucus resolved to extend the current grassroots engagement by replicating the expanded caucus at the local government and ward levels. A comprehensive list of local government and ward caucuses will be compiled and submitted to the zonal leadership to enhance grassroots participation and party cohesion.
The PDP Zone A Caucus disassociated itself from any coalition activities, warning members against aligning with parties or individuals that threaten the party’s unity and progress. They urged members to remain vigilant against elements seeking to destabilize Benue for personal or political gain, including land grabbers, jihadists, and terrorists.
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The caucus passed a vote of confidence on Chief Samuel Ortom, the party’s leader in Benue, and reaffirmed support for Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, the State Chairman, and the entire State Working Committee. The party leadership emphasized their determination to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections, focusing on revitalizing the state’s economy, improving security, and enhancing the wellbeing of all Benue people.
