A significant political shift occurred in Benue State on November 1, 2025, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP) from Vandeikya Local Government Area officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection ceremony drew large crowds at Governor Hyacinth Alia’s home base.
Opposition Declared Extinct in Governor’s Stronghold
Benjamin Omale, Benue APC Chairman, proclaimed the opposition effectively dissolved in Vandeikya following the event. “With today’s development, opposition no longer exists here,” Omale stated. He emphasized this demonstrated strong public confidence in Governor Alia’s leadership.
Prominent defectors included former PDP governorship hopeful Dominic Akaaha and ex-Information Commissioner Cletus Akwaya. They led numerous ADC and Labour Party members in pledging loyalty to APC. Omale highlighted the calibre of these politicians as proof of APC’s growing dominance.
The chairman attributed the defections to Governor Alia’s governance performance and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. “These defections result directly from Governor Alia’s achievements across all sectors,” Omale explained. He declared Vandeikya firmly secured for the governor.
Omale described the event as historic, with notable Kunav community leaders joining APC. He revealed expectations of similar defections across other Benue LGAs soon. “Benue residents clearly support President Tinubu and Governor Alia,” the chairman added.
Concluding his remarks, Omale urged voters to support Tinubu and Alia in upcoming elections. He promised they would enhance governance and living standards for Nigerians.
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