By Atoyebi Nike
A member of the House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, Hon. Ojema Ojotu, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Tuesday during plenary when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read Ojotu’s defection letter on the floor of the House.
Before the move, the APC already held 10 of the 11 federal constituencies from Benue State. Ojotu’s switch now places all Benue federal seats under the control of the ruling party.
In his defection letter, Ojotu attributed his decision to persistent internal crises within the PDP, noting that he reached the conclusion after consultations with his constituents, family, and political associates.
“After consultation with my constituents, family members, and political associates, I have decided to dump the PDP for the APC,” Ojotu stated.
The defection, however, drew objections from opposition members. House Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki (NNPP), urged the presiding officer to declare Ojotu’s seat vacant, citing Constitutional Point of Order 68(1)(g), which mandates that a member’s seat be vacated if they leave the party that sponsored their election without a division in that party.
Madaki’s argument was swiftly countered by House Majority Leader, Ibrahim Halims, who invoked Order 7, contending that Ojotu had the right to leave due to unresolved crises in his former party.
“When there is an unresolved crisis in a party and that party cannot resolve its issues, the person concerned can leave to protect his future,” Halims argued.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu officially welcomed Ojotu into the APC fold, assuring him of the ruling party’s full support as he continues his legislative duties.
Ojotu’s defection further strengthens the APC’s dominance in Benue politics and reflects a broader trend of realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
