Thousands of members from various political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), have reportedly dumped their parties for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state.
Reports said leaders of defectors from the APC and others, who decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have also apologised to the State Governor Samuel Ortom for erroneously joining forces with enemies of the state to castigate and mock him.
The leaders included erstwhile Caretaker Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Council, Hon. Hyacinth Kwegi; a House of Assembly Candidate in the 2019 general elections on the platform of the APC, Hon Ukeyima Mkem; former DGSA, Mr Titus Utuur; all tendered apologies Sunday, November 21st, 2021 at the mega decamping rally held at Naka, headquarters of Gwer West local government council.
In separate remarks at the defection of thousands into the PDP, the leaders regretted when they unsuccessfully taunted the Governor on killings in Benue by herdsmen just to support their former political parties.
They stated that despite the propaganda, most of them couldn’t vote in their villages in the 2019 elections due to the invasion by Fulani militia under the watch of the APC-led administration, stressing that some of them benefited much from the Governor but later left him without good reason.
They appreciated Governor Ortom and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom as well as the entire PDP for accepting them back into the fold, even as they pledged unflinching support to the PDP.
Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom while receiving the defectors, assured them of equal opportunities, pointing out that in the PDP, members have equal opportunities.
The Governor stated that Nigerians will not continue to tolerate the failed leadership of the APC but takeover to provide direction for the country.
State Chairman of the PDP, Sir John Ngbede said the PDP family owes Governor Ortom prayers and unflinching support, hinting that the party will soon welcome thousands of supporters in Benue South Senatorial District.
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba, House of Representatives Member for Gwer-East and Gwer West, Rt Hon Mark Gbillah and Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Damian Cheme also delivered goodwill messages at the event.
Others who also spoke included Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Ken Achabo and Chairman Gwer West Local Government Council, Mrs Grace Igbabon.
