Sole Benue PDP rep joins APC, blames party crisis

Ojema Ojotu, a member of the house of representatives, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house, read Ojotu’s notice of defection during Tuesday’s plenary.

Ojotu, who represents Apa/Agatu constituency of Benue, chairs the house’s committee on inland waterways. He was the only PDP house of representatives member from Benue.

The Benue legislator attributed his defection to the party’s alleged persistent internal crisis and division.

“I wish to formally notify the honourable speaker and my esteemed colleagues that I announce my decision to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from Wednesday, 8 October 2025,” the letter reads.

“This decision has become necessary due to the persistent internal crisis, unresolved leadership tussle, and deep divisions within the party from the national to the federal constituency.

“Given the party’s rudderless direction, after wide consultations with my family, key stakeholders, political associates and the good people of my constituency, I have decided to align with the All Progressive Congress (APC), a platform which I believe offers a more stable and progressive environment, continuously serving the interests of my people, and contributing to national development.

“Accordingly, I kindly request that you please let that be read on the floor of the house, and my new political affiliation will be duly reflected.”

Sani Madaki, deputy minority leader, protested the defection, saying there was no crisis in the PDP.

He asked the presiding officer to declare Ojotu’s seat vacant.

“Being a person whose election to the house was sponsored by one political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that house was elected; that member loses his seat,” Madaki said.

“I am calling, based on this constitutional prohibition, to declare his seat vacant.

“Because, as it stands, there is no division in the party that brought him to this house. Thank you, sir. I think I need to hear from the deputy leader.”

Ibrahim Halims, deputy majority leader, countered Madaki’s position, stating that the party has an unresolved crisis.

“Whenever there is a crisis in the party, a non-resolved crisis for that matter, at the national, even state and local government level, the party cannot resolve such a crisis. The person, so far concerned, can decide to leave that party to sustain his own future,” he said.

With the latest defection, Ojotu joins the list of members leaving the PDP.

The opposition party has been hit by a wave of defections in recent weeks.

Last week, Enugu governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa governor Douye Diri left the PDP. While Mbah defected to the APC, Diri has yet to declare his new political base.