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A major political realignment has occurred in Benue State as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party in Vandeikya Local Government Area dumped their parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection, which took place on Saturday, was received by the Benue State APC chairman, Benjamin Omale, who described the event as a “political landslide” that leaves no visible opposition in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s home local government.
Leading the new entrants were a former PDP governorship aspirant, Dominic Akaaha, and ex-Commissioner for Information, Cletus Akwaya, who spearheaded the movement of several party loyalists into the APC fold.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Omale said the defection reflected the people’s confidence in both President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Alia’s leadership.
“This turnout is a strong message that the people of Vandeikya are pleased with the development strides of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Omale stated.
“From what we’ve seen today, there’s barely any opposition left in this local government.”
He further described the event as “historic,” emphasising that it marked a new chapter for the APC in Benue politics.
According to him, the calibre of defectors, comprising former commissioners, lawmakers, and grassroots leaders, demonstrated the growing appeal of the ruling party.
Omale attributed the surge in defections to the ongoing infrastructural and social reforms in the state, noting that Alia’s administration had restored faith in governance.
“The people have seen progress in roads, education, and welfare under Governor Alia. This is why they are returning home to the APC,” he said.
He also revealed that similar defections were expected from other parts of Benue in the coming weeks, hinting at what could become a sweeping political consolidation ahead of the next general elections.
Omale urged residents to support both Tinubu and Alia, assuring them that continued cooperation would bring more dividends of democracy to the state.
A few weeks earlier, Governor Alia had hosted a dinner with politicians from various opposition parties, a move that political observers now believe paved the way for Saturday’s mass defection.
The development further strengthens the APC’s dominance in Benue politics, especially in Vandeikya, where Governor Alia enjoys massive grassroots support.