Written By Dr. Terver Akase
By the time the sun climbed over the ancient city of Otukpo on Saturday, September 5, 2026, history was gathering at St. Andrew’s Primary School Field, along the Otukpo-Makurdi road in the heart of Benue South.
The roads leading to the venue were already throbbing with human traffic. Motorcycles weaved through crowds. Vehicles crawled forward. Party songs floated through the air like an approaching storm. From every direction, party faithful bearing flags, banners and posters with inscriptions such as ‘SAM 2027’, ‘MKA 2027’ came: young and old, men and women, traders, students, farmers, professionals and opinion leaders, drawn by a political spectacle that would soon transform the heart of Benue into a roaring amphitheatre of democracy.
I arrived at the venue expecting campaign rally, but what I saw was something far bigger. Otukpo was not merely hosting a political event; it was staging a declaration of intent.
Turning to Christopher Afaor, who was in the same vehicle with me, I remarked, “Hon. Chris, kwagh ne ka kwagh jim jim” (this is magnificent). He nodded in agreement.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The crowd surged and swayed like a living river. Everywhere one looked, there were PDP colours, banners, chants and animated conversations about the future of Benue State. The field itself seemed too small for the multitude that poured into St. Andrew’s Field. Every available space was occupied.
Then came the unmistakable signs that this was no ordinary gathering. Each arrival generated excitement, but when Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, stepped into the arena alongside the PDP Governorship Candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, and leader of the party in the state, the immediate past Governor Chief Samuel Ortom, the atmosphere exploded into applause, cheers and chants.
For a few moments, speeches gave way to emotion, politics surrendered to symbolism, and Otukpo became a vast stage upon which thousands of people projected their hopes, frustrations and aspirations for 2027.
Standing in the middle of that sea of humanity, I could not shake the feeling that I was witnessing more than a campaign flag-off. I was witnessing a political statement. A statement of confidence. A statement of defiance. A statement that Benue South intends to play a decisive role in determining the future political direction of Benue State, come 2027.
And if the mood of the crowd was any indication, the message was loud enough to be heard far beyond the boundaries of Otukpo.
When Senator Moro took the microphone, the crowd listened attentively. His criticism of the current administration and his defence of his record in the Senate drew repeated applause. Whenever he spoke about projects attracted to Benue South and his legislative interventions, supporters responded with approval.
But perhaps the most revealing moment came when politicians from outside the PDP publicly endorsed him and declared support for his re-election. I could sense the excitement in the crowd. People around me exchanged glances and nodded in approval. The defection of APC chieftain Barrister John Ochoga and his supporters further reinforced the feeling that political alignments in the state are changing.
Then came Chief Michael Aondoakaa. As he stepped forward to address the gathering, I noticed a surge of energy within the crowd. People moved closer. Many raised their phones to record him. Others shouted “MKA, MKA, MKA…”
His message focused on security, development and what he described as the neglect of Benue South despite the huge resources available to the Alia administration. Each time he spoke about improving the lives of ordinary people and securing communities, the crowd responded enthusiastically.
What impressed me most was the connection Chief Aondoakaa established with the audience. He was not merely speaking to them; he seemed to be speaking for them.
Standing nearby, I observed people listening attentively and reacting positively to his promise to address insecurity. That issue clearly resonated with many of those present.
Chief Samuel Ortom’s presence added another dimension to the rally. Whatever one’s political affiliation may be, it is impossible to ignore the influence the immediate past Benue governor continues to wield within the PDP and beyond. As he spoke about the achievements of the previous administration and the need to support PDP’s candidates, the audience remained fully engaged. Chief Ortom projected confidence. More importantly, he projected belief in the party’s chances in 2027.
As the programme progressed and party flags were presented to candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, I found myself reflecting on what I was witnessing.
This was not merely a senatorial campaign launch. It was a demonstration of political strength. It was a demonstration of organization. It was a demonstration of unity. Most importantly, it was a demonstration that the PDP intends to be a major force in the 2027 elections.
Of course, rallies do not determine election outcomes. Crowds do not automatically become votes. But politics often provides moments that reveal the mood of the people.
From what I saw in Otukpo, Benue South is energized. Senator Abba Moro remains a dominant political figure. Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa’s governorship campaign is gaining traction. And the PDP has signalled that it is preparing for a serious contest in 2027.
As I left St. Andrew’s and watched thousands of supporters make their way home, one thought stayed with me.
The event may have been called a campaign flag-off. But what I witnessed felt very much like a declaration.
The Otukpo Declaration.
