Senator Abba Moro in dilemma as political godfather, David Mark dumps PDP

The recent resignation of former Senate President David Mark from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown his long-time political ally and protégé, Senator Abba Moro, into a deep political dilemma.

Mark, a founding member and elder statesman of the PDP, officially parted ways with the party in a letter dated June 27, citing irreconcilable internal crises and loss of direction within the once-dominant platform.

His departure, came just days before the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress, ADC, is formally unveiled as the new political vehicle for the opposition, signals a dramatic shift in Benue and national politics.

In his resignation letter, Mark lamented the PDP’s persistent leadership crisis and loss of credibility, stating:

“The irreconcilable differences in the PDP have subjected the party to public ridicule and reduced it to a shadow of its former self.”

His decision, he said, came after wide consultations and was aimed at joining the broader National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, which seeks to reposition Nigeria’s democracy through the ADC.

Senator Moro, Senate Minority Leader, who currently represents Benue South in the National Assembly and succeeded Mark in the Senate in 2019, owes much of his political rise to the former Senate President’s influence.

With Mark now installed as interim national chairman of the ADC, political observers believe Moro faces a critical decision: remain in the embattled PDP or follow his mentor into a new political frontier.

A close associate of both men, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “tense and uncertain.”

“Abba Moro has always moved in lockstep with David Mark. This is not just a political fallout, it’s a test of loyalty, ambition and strategy,” the source said.

Moro, a former Minister of Interior and one of the most vocal PDP senators from the North Central region, has yet to publicly respond to Mark’s defection.

However, Moro had, during a recent meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State capital, insisted that he was not leaving the PDP or part of any coalition.

He said he would only join a coalition that’s driven by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not that propagated by individuals or group.

“Let me state here unequivocally that I am not in any political coalition and I’m not a member of any political coalition with anyone or group. Those who are in political coalition are there for their reasons.

“In the recent past, I addressed the press on behalf of and with my colleague PDP Senators where we clearly stated that we were not in the political coalition being propagated by individuals.

“We stated that when necessary we could only hatchet any political coalition that is driven by the Peoples Democratic Party, being the largest of all other political parties not in power, not individuals. This position has not changed,” he stated.

Political observers say Abba is facing a big dilemma on whether to join the coalition or decamp to the ruling APC.

Any of the moves could strip him of his position as the Senate Minority Leader, a position which was given to him because of PDP membership.

Mark’s departure has now left a vacuum in Benue PDP’s leadership and grassroots structure, with fears that it could trigger an exodus of key stakeholders loyal to the former Senate President.

In Benue South, where Mark commands a loyal base of foot soldiers, his departure signals the likelihood of a political tidal wave that could soon rock Africa’s largest political party.

Already, the ADC is gaining significant ground in Benue South, with major political heavyweights joining the movement.

The emerging coalition draws support from all nine local government areas of Benue South Apa, Agatu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Otukpo, Okpokwu, Oju and Obi.

Among key political figures that have joined the new movement are John Ngbede, Hon. David Olofu, Prof. David Salifu, Chief Chris Adaba Abah, Alhaji Audu Sule, Chief Abba Adaudu, Rt. Hon. Abu Umoru, Rt. Hon. Abu Edor, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu, and Mrs. Abeje Egwa.

A former loyalist of Senator Abba Moro has described David Mark’s defection as the beginning of the end for the Senate Minority Leader’s political career.

“There’s no way Moro can win another term without the support of Agatu and Apa,” the source said.

“Ngbede, who is the political leader of Apa/Agatu has already left him. In Obi/Oju, his longtime ally Samson Okwu is gone. In Otukpo, his former campaign director-general, Adakole Elijah, has also left. Even Abeje Egwa, who mobilized women for him, is no longer with him.”

According to the source, Moro now stands politically isolated and any move to join either the APC or ADC could cost him his position as Senate Minority Leader.

“PDP is dead and beyond revival. Abba is seriously confused,” the source added.

Several calls to Emmanuel John, media adviser to Senator Moro, were not answered as of press time.

Senator Abba Moro in dilemma as political godfather, David Mark dumps PDP