Mass exodus hit PDP in Benue as Inedu leads 10,000 members to APC in Benue state

By Jude Opara

A major political shift has occurred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, as no fewer than 10,000 members have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors, who were drawn from across wards in Orokam and Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, include notable former lawmakers and serving exco of the PDP.
Leading the defectors in Ehaje II, Owukpa, was PDP stalwart Engr. Julius Inedu, who joined the APC alongside over 10,000 members.
Key figures among them were Hon. Michael Abakpa, a former lawmaker representing the constituency; Hon Michael Idoko, immediate past chairman of the PDP in Ehaje II; James Agene, the longest-serving PDP executive member since 1999; Hon Onoja Obute, immediate past deputy leader of the Ogbadibo Legislative Council from Orokam III; and the immediate past women leader of the PDP, and bother serving and former exco of the opposition party in the ward.
During the defection ceremony held in Ekere Owuka, Engr. Inedu and others symbolically set their PDP membership cards ablaze, signaling their commitment to their new party.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Inedu expressed their newfound hope in the APC’s vision of development.
“Today, I want to declare that I have seen the light of progress. I have received the gospel of development. Like the man who met Jesus and declared, ‘I was blind, but now I can see,’ I too now see the path of progress illuminated by the APC.
“But I cannot progress alone. I call on my people in Ehaje II and Ogbadibo at large to embrace the dividends of development brought to Enone by the servant leader, Hon. Philip Agbese.
“Today, I declare on behalf of my brothers and sisters here, and those unable to attend, that we are now part of the APC family. The PDP is dead, not just in Ehaje II or Owukpa, but in Ogbadibo and Benue State at large.”
Receiving the defectors, Comrade Austine Agada, APC State Chairman, described the mass defection as a landmark moment in the state’s political landscape.
“This wave of defection is a testament to the APC’s commitment to transformative leadership. We welcome our new members and assure them of inclusivity as we chart a path of progress together,” Agada said.
Hon. Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, also commended the defectors for their decision to join the APC.
“The decision by these distinguished leaders and members to join the APC reflects their belief in the vision we represent. Together, we will build a better future for Ogbadibo, Benue, and beyond,” Agbese stated.
Agada and Agbese, alongside other party leaders, assured the defectors of full integration and equal opportunities within the APC, emphasizing their commitment to fostering progress and unity in Benue State.