The Governorship Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Benue State for the 2027 election and Benue State Chairman of the party, Comrade Simon Ogbe, has responded strongly to former lawmaker Francis Ottah Agbo over comments made during an inspection of the Ado Road project. Agbo had reportedly urged the people of Benue South (Zone C) to support Governor Hyacinth Alia and other candidates of his party in the 2027 elections while asking them to remain patient with the current security situation pending the implementation of State Police.
Reacting to the remarks, Ogbe stated that while Francis Ottah Agbo has every right to express his personal opinion, he cannot speak on behalf of the people of Benue South. “You can speak for yourself, but you cannot speak for everybody. When the appropriate time comes, I will speak for myself, and the people of Zone C will also speak through their votes. It is too early for anyone to assume the position of the entire zone,” he said.
Ogbe questioned the basis of Agbo’s suggestion, noting that the Zenith Labour Party has members across the 23 local government areas of the state. He argued that Agbo could not claim to speak for everyone when recommending support for a particular candidate. He further highlighted the ongoing killings and unprovoked attacks in Otukpo, Ohimini, and other parts of Benue South, describing the moment as one of mourning rather than political endorsements or calls for patience while lives continue to be lost.
With all due respect, Ogbe said he strongly disagreed with Agbo’s position, expressing disappointment that such statements were being made at a time when the land is bleeding. He noted that many had held Agbo in high esteem beyond politics because of his track record and public service, making the remarks particularly difficult to understand. Ogbe asked why Agbo should differ from other contestants for the Benue South Senate seat, including the current Senator Abba Moro, who have consistently called for decisive action from the government.
He emphasized that protecting lives is the primary responsibility of government and that the Governor, as Chief Security Officer, receives security votes for that purpose. Ogbe warned against playing politics with the lives of the people, stating that fathers, mothers, children, farmers, and entire communities are being killed. He questioned the value of salaries, pensions, gratuities, or completed roads to those who have lost their lives, asking whether infrastructure can bring back the dead.
Looking ahead to 2027, Ogbe said the election would be between the people and any candidate perceived as an anointed choice of those they believe have failed to protect them. He stressed that the people of Benue South would make that decision themselves and that their senator must be courageous, vocal, and committed to defending their interests, just as Senator Abba Moro has done during these difficult times.
Ogbe therefore urged Francis Ottah Agbo to stand with the people of Benue South by speaking for the victims, demanding justice, and calling on the government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, rather than asking grieving communities to remain patient while the land continues to bleed.
