2027: Benue minority leader, thousands of opposition parties defect to APC, endorse Tinubu, Alia for second term

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 
Minority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mike Audu, and thousands of members of opposition parties in Otukpo Local Government Area have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Otukpo is the traditional headquarters of Idoma kingdom  in Benue South senatorial district where the incumbent deputy governor of the State come from.

‎The decamping ceremony was held at the St. Mary Primary School in Otukpo  Local Government Area of the State,  attracted massive crowd from across the thirteen council wards.
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‎Speaking at the event, Zone C APC leader and  deputy governor of the State Barr.Sam Odeh, who officially received the defectors into the ruling party, promised them equal treatment and full integration.

He stated that APC remain a big party that is accommodating everyone including those with disability, adding that those who have joined the party should know that there is no senior or junior as the party was built on the principle of equality with platform that promote winnings.

All of you who have come to join this party in your numbers, your equality of membership is guaranteed.

He maintained that the government of governor Hyacinth Alia is building roads across the whole of zone c.

"If you go to Igumale, we are constructing a road from Igumale to Agila worth N19bn. If you go to Obagaji to Okokolo, all the way Agagbe, we are building a road that worth N29bn. From Oju to Awanjir, we are also constructing a road that is worth N26bn. So, all the whole roads we are building in the State worth N87bn. If anybody is deceiving you that Zone C is marginalised, the person is a liar. I cannot be in the government and this zone would be marginalised. It is not possible.

"I want to assure you that, working together with the State chairman of the party, whatever that would come to us, must come to us. Come 2027, we will still present ourselves because of the good work. Those decamped today have demonstrated their love for Fr. Alia and President Ahmed Tinubu. I challenge. Those who are saying that the APC is going down, they should know that APC is going up.

"Therefore, by the power vested in me as the leader of APC in this zone and  on behalf of the executive governor of the State moved for endorsement of president Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Rev. Fr. Alia for second term in  office", the deputy governor stated. 

‎He reaffirmed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s continued commitment in delivering good governance, ensuring equity, transparency, and people-centered development across board.

Speaking before handing over the new members to the deputy governor, the State chairman of APC. Chief Benjamin Omale, maintained that the mass movement of opposition members into the APC, is a reflection of trust, unity, and the collective aspiration for continued growth and development of Benue and  Nigeria.

He added that the  defection marks a major political realignment and renewed hope and faith in the developmental strides of the present administration.
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Chief Omale added that  the decamping exercise  going on across the 23  LGAs was a clear testament to the people’s confidence in the purposeful leadership and vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia  who is working with passion and without discrimination.
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"I  urge the new party members, especially the youths and women, to take active part in the democratic process by obtaining your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), this is because voting power remains the strongest tool for sustaining democracy and ensuring that good governance is realized".
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‎"I want to  assure the people of  Otukpo and Idoma land that the Alia-led administration will continue to prioritize infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agricultural support, job creation, and youth empowerment initiatives in order to improve the living standards of every citizen", Omale maintained.

‎In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for finance, Mike Oglegba commended the decampees, saying they have made a good decision by coming to join Governor Alia in his quest to develop the state.

He  highlighted the good works of the Governor whom he said, is determined to put smiles on the faces of the people of the state.

‎In his remark, the executive chairman of Otukpo local government council, Prince Maxwell Ogiri,  said the decamping by Otukpo people was a testament of the good works of governor Alia and commended them for the bold initiative and assured that their decision would not be in vain.

Speaking on his capacity and on behalf of the defectors, the former minority leader, Mike Audu explained that his decision to join the ruling APC was influenced by the leadership style of the State governor and assured that they will work with other stakeholders of the party to unity, peace and tranquility within the party.