APC, ADC and ZLP Chieftains Defect to PDP in Benue State

Political chieftains and their supporters from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Among the prominent defectors is Inalegwu Adakonye, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo Local Government, who left the APC to join the PDP alongside other political stakeholders from the Adoka and Ugboju communities.

Other politicians who joined the PDP include Adoga Edache, popularly known as Ebo, from the ADC; Emmanuel Akoche of the ZLP; Garuba Sule of the APC; and John Ojonye, the ADC chairman of Ugboju Ehaji Ward.

Explaining his decision, Adakonye said the PDP’s emphasis on inclusiveness and collective participation influenced his return to the party. He also expressed confidence in the party’s ability to provide leadership in Benue State.

He cited the emergence of Dr Oyije Ogbenjuwa as the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate as another factor behind the decision of some of the defectors.

The new members were received by PDP leaders and candidates, including Ogbenjuwa and Otukpo Local Government PDP Chairman Godwin Ochapa.

Welcoming them, Ogbenjuwa promised that the new members would be given equal opportunities and fully integrated into the party’s activities.

The defectors pledged their commitment to supporting the PDP as political activities continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.