ADC, APC, ZLP Stakeholders Defect to PDP in Benue

Several political stakeholders and their supporters from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The development was announced by Rt. Hon. George Alli, a Senior Legislative Aide, who was present during the reception of the new members.

Among the defectors were Hon. Adoga Edache, popularly known as Ebo, who left the ADC; former Otukpo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Inalegwu Adakonye, who defected from the APC; and Mr Emmanuel Akoche of the ZLP.

Other defectors included Mr Garuba Sule, an APC member from Ugboju Icho, and Mr John Ojonye, Chairman of the ADC in Ugboju Ehaji Ward. Several other party members and their supporters also reportedly joined the PDP.

The new members were said to have cited the PDP’s leadership, people-oriented ideology and perceived prospects ahead of the forthcoming elections as reasons for their decision to leave their former parties.

Those who received the defectors included the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr Oyije Ochaeikiti; the Otukpo Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Godwin Ochapa; the party’s House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo/Akpa, Hon. Johnson Egli; and its candidate for Adoka/Ugboju, Hon. Gabriel Olofu. Alli was also present at the event.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Ochaeikiti welcomed the new members and assured them of equal opportunities and full integration into the party’s activities. He described the development as a sign of the PDP’s growing acceptance across Benue South.

The defectors, in turn, pledged their loyalty to the PDP and promised to work towards the party’s success at all levels. Their entry adds to the political realignments taking place in Otukpo ahead of the forthcoming elections.