Thousands of supporters of prominent politicians in Benue State have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Architect Joseph Kyaagba, Chief Joe Akaakar, the Baba Jiro of Egbaland, Barrister Michael Gwaza, ACP John Actsu, and thousands of their supporters were among the top leaders in the state who abandoned the APC on Monday.
The state Governor, Samuel Ortom, greeted the defectors at the Central Primary School Township in the Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Ortom assured the new PDP members of equal opportunities in the party during the reception of the defectors, expressing optimism that the party will take over control of the country after the 2023 general election.
The Governor, who bemoaned the extent of suffering supposedly put on Nigerians by the current administration, said that the ruling party has done for the country what no other party has ever done since its existence, as President Muhammadu Buhari recently declared.
Senator Dr Gabriel Suswam, a lawmaker from Benue North East, asked the people of Jechira to put aside divisive politics and unite in order to field viable candidates in the upcoming governorship election in 2023.
Senator Comrade Abba Moro, who represents Benue South, claimed Nigeria has lost “nearly everything” under the APC-led administration, and that only the PDP has the ability to save the country in 2023.
Former Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Architect Joseph Kyaagba, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, branded the APC as a party that promotes bloodshed, claiming that the route to the party leads nowhere.
He stated that they have returned to work with Governor Ortom and other leaders to ensure that all Nigerians receive justice, equity, and fairness.
Sir John Ngbede, the PDP’s state chairman, welcomed the defectors and handed them over to Governor Ortom, while party flags were presented to the leaders of the defectors from the APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
