By Michael Orya Agena

The Benue North-West (Zone B) Senatorial Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan, FNSE, PhD, yesterday held strategic meetings with his kinsmen, youth groups, community groups, and party stakeholders drawn from the APC, PDP, ADC, and NDC in Gbajimba, Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.

The meeting was convened to formally inform his kinsmen and constituents of his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and to solicit their prayers and support, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the gathering, Engr. Utaan expressed his dissatisfaction with what he described as repeated instances of unfair treatment and denial of political opportunities during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He noted the most recent development concerning the PDP’s Benue North-West Senatorial ticket ultimately informed his decision to leave the party and join the NDC, where he has now secured the party’s senatorial ticket for the 2027 general elections.

In their separate remarks at the different meetings, stakeholders unanimously pledged their support for Engr. Utaan’s senatorial aspiration.

The speakers emphasized that in the 2027 general elections, their support would be based on the credibility, competence, and character of candidates rather than party affiliations. They collectively assured Engr. Utaan of their commitment to mobilizing support and votes across political divides to ensure his victory at the polls.

Engr. Utaan was accompanied to the meetings by several of his aides, political associates and friends across the political divide.