The political landscape of Benue State has witnessed a significant shift as more than 10,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors, drawn from various wards in Orokam and Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, include prominent former lawmakers and PDP executives. Leading the defection in Ehaje II, Owukpa, was PDP stalwart Engr. Julius Inedu, who joined the APC alongside thousands of party members.
Notable figures among the defectors include Hon. Michael Abakpa, a former lawmaker representing the constituency; Hon. Michael Idoko, the immediate past chairman of the PDP in Ehaje II; James Agene, a long-serving PDP executive member since 1999; Hon. Onoja Obute, the immediate past deputy leader of the Ogbadibo Legislative Council from Orokam III; and the former PDP women leader.
During the defection ceremony held in Ekere Owukpa, the defectors symbolically burned their PDP membership cards, signifying their total commitment to the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Engr. Julius Inedu expressed their renewed hope in the APC’s developmental agenda.
“Today, I have seen the light of progress and embraced the gospel of development. Like the man in the Bible who declared, ‘I was blind, but now I see,’ I now see the path of progress illuminated by the APC.
“I call on my people in Ehaje II and the entire Ogbadibo to embrace the dividends of development brought to us by the servant leader, Hon. Philip Agbese. On behalf of everyone here, I declare that we are now part of the APC family. The PDP is no longer alive, not only in Ehaje II or Owukpa but in Ogbadibo and Benue State at large,” he stated.
Comrade Austine Agada, the APC State Chairman, welcomed the defectors, describing the mass movement as a turning point in Benue politics.
“This wave of defections highlights the APC’s dedication to transformative leadership. We warmly welcome our new members and assure them of inclusivity as we work together for progress,” Agada said.
Hon. Philip Agbese, representing Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, also applauded the defectors for aligning with the APC.
“The decision by these respected leaders and members to join the APC reflects their trust in our vision and leadership. Together, we will build a brighter future for Ogbadibo, Benue, and Nigeria at large,” Agbese remarked.
Agada, Agbese, and other party leaders assured the new members of full integration and equal opportunities within the APC, emphasizing their shared commitment to unity and development in Benue State.
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