“Third Term for Moro Is Futile” -Former Campaign DG Adakole Elijah Rejects Move, Calls for Power Rotation in Benue South

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

A prominent political ally of Senate Minority Leader, Abba Patrick Moro  and former Director General of his senatorial campaign, Dr. Adakole Elijah, has publicly ruled out any possibility of a third-term bid for the Benue South lawmaker, describing the growing agitation in some quarters as “an exercise in futility” and incompatible with democratic ideals.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Elijah—an influential figure in the African Democratic Congress  (ADC) dismissed suggestions that Moro could replicate the long senatorial tenure of former Senate President, David Mark who represented the district for two decades in the National Assembly.

The debate has been gathering momentum in political circles across Benue Zone C following speculations about whether Moro, who currently serves as Senate Minority Leader in the 10th National Assembly, might pursue another term after his current tenure.

But Elijah argued strongly that the comparison with Mark’s era was misleading and historically inaccurate, insisting that the political landscape has changed and should not be dominated by a single individual.

“The notion of a third-term agenda for Senator Abba Moro is a concept bereft of viability and an anachronism in this enlightened era,” Elijah said.

“In a senatorial district blessed with an abundance of erudite and illustrious personalities, the idea that one individual should monopolise the political space and treat it like a personal fiefdom runs contrary to the spirit of democracy.”

He noted that proponents of Moro’s extended stay in the Senate often cite the long tenure of David Mark as justification, but described the argument as “specious”, stressing that political precedents cannot simply be replicated.

According to him, the principle of political diversity and leadership renewal must guide the future of representation in Benue South.

A historical review of the senatorial district, Elijah explained, shows that several prominent leaders have occupied the seat over the years, including former Senate President Ameh Ebute, Senator Godwin Okpe and Senator Moro himself.

He argued that when the tenures of these leaders are considered collectively, the district has effectively balanced its representation over time, making the argument for a prolonged single leadership untenable.

Elijah therefore urged political stakeholders in the district to focus on rotational representation among the various federal constituencies in the zone.

“The most pragmatic course of action is to facilitate the rotation of the senatorial seat to either Apa/Agatu or Oju/Obi Federal Constituencies,” he stated.

Political observers say the comments are significant given Elijah’s close association with Moro. He previously served as the Director General of Moro’s campaign that secured his victory into the 10th Senate, making his remarks a notable intervention in the emerging succession debate in Benue South.

The senator, who represents Benue South in the National Assembly, currently plays a key role in the leadership of the opposition caucus in the Senate, where he serves as Minority Leader.

With political permutations for the next election cycle gradually taking shape, Elijah’s statement is expected to intensify conversations around power rotation, generational leadership change, and political equity in Benue Zone C.