Hon. Ojema Ojotu, the sole Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from Benue State, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today during a session in the Green Chamber.
This high-profile defection, announced initially on October 9, deals a significant blow to the PDP, leaving it without any National Assembly representation from Benue.
Ojotu, a pastor and Chairman of the House Committee on National Inland Waterways, attributed his decision to “divine direction,” internal PDP crises, and alignment with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s development agenda.
Speaking after presenting his defection letter, he emphasized that joining the APC would enhance his ability to deliver infrastructure projects, such as ongoing road developments linking Agatu and Gwer West.
“I thank the PDP for the platform, but this move is a purposeful step to serve Benue better,” Ojotu said, receiving applause from APC lawmakers.
His aide, Hon. Prince Antenyi, noted that while Ojotu’s PDP tenure empowered thousands through advocacy and livelihoods, the APC offers “greater opportunities” for Apa/Agatu under federal backing.
The defection was first signaled on October 9 during a meeting with PDP executives in Obagaji, Agatu LGA, where local leaders like Hon. Ochokwu Alelu and Hon.
Sunday Oteyi commended Ojotu’s leadership despite his exit.This move follows a wave of defections from the PDP, including former Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam, Dr. Paul Orhii, and Prof.
David Iornem, who joined the APC on October 10 in a celebrated event marked by banners and a pre-decamping dinner in Makurdi.
Governor Alia welcomed the defectors on October 11, praising their support as a boost for his infrastructure and economic revival plans.
Speculation in August about Ojotu as Alia’s potential 2027 running mate stirred debate, with groups like the Idoma Youth Patriotic Movement opposing changes to the current deputy governor’s position.
The Benue PDP, reeling from the losses, remains defiant. State Chairman Emmanuel Agbakor called the defections “routine wrangling” and claimed the party is poised to recruit two APC senators to rebuild its strength. “We’re not fazed—politics is dynamic, and our opportunities are coming,” he said.
Ojotu, previously the State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiation Councils, played a key role in securing the N30,000 minimum wage in Benue.
His defection solidifies the APC’s grip on Benue’s federal seats, reflecting a broader PDP decline in the region amid similar shifts in states like Enugu.
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