Moro Abba Patrick

Patrick Abba Moro was born on 3 July 1956 in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

He began his education at LGEA Special Primary School, Odessassa between 1963 and 1969 before proceeding to Emmanuel Secondary School, Ugbokolo from 1969 to 1974. He later attended Federal Government College Kano, obtaining a Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1975.

Moro proceeded to the University of Lagos, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Political Science in 1980 and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Public Administration in 1983.

He started his academic career at Benue State Polytechnic as a lecturer. He served as head of the Department of General Studies from 1991 to 1992, later becoming head of the Department of Public Administration for four years (1992–1996). He also acted as Dean of Studies in School of Business and Administration Studies for two years (1994–1996).

Moro was elected Chairman of Benue State Polytechnic’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, serving from 1980 to 1984. He later became National President of Polytechnic Senior Staff Association in 1986.

His political career began as elected Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Council in 1998. He ran unsuccessfully for the Benue State governorship election under the PDP in April 2007.

In July 2011, he was appointed Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Interior by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

He won the 2019 Senate elections as a PDP candidate, replacing David Mark and serving as a senator since then. His tenure includes notable roles such as replacing two-term Senate President David Mark in the 6th and 7th Assemblies.

In the 2023 Nigerian Senate Elections, he was elected again under the PDP, winning his reelection successfully.

Moro has faced legal challenges, including fraud allegations related to a botched recruitment drive that led to stampedes in 2014, resulting in deaths. He pleaded not guilty to charges of $2.5 million (£1.8 million) missing application fees and was also charged by the EFCC over a fatal N677 million immigration recruitment scam.

He has received several awards, including the Best Peacemaker Award from MOO in Idoma Land (Otukpo), an award for excellent contributions to education and development by National PTA, and recognition for distinction in industrial development by NULGE Benue State Chapter. He also holds honors for outstanding performance as a Local Government Chairman in 2001.