Some defectors from other political parties have formally joined the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The ceremony which held at the Local Government Pavilion, Oju, marked a significant political shift in the council.
Party leaders, elders, and supporters filled the venue, marking what many described as a new chapter in Igede politics ahead of the decisive 2027 general elections.
Governor Alia’s point man and Majority Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly, Cyril Ikong Ijebe, presided over the ceremony and was supported by the Benue Commissioner of Information, Chief Obo Egbodo and Steve Otumala Ogbu.
The Oju LGA chairman of APC, Joseph Otumala, praised the turnout, describing the mass defection as “a watershed moment strengthening unity, trust, and renewed belief in purposeful development.”
Chief Frank Alochu, who led the defectors, commended President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and Governor Alia’s achievements, especially the ongoing reconstruction transforming Oju’s infrastructural landscape.
He emphasised that gratitude must reflect in political commitment, urging party leaders to close ranks, bury grudges, and work together, reminding them that “a divided house gathers no harvest.”
Prominent defectors included Dr Isaac Egboja, Dr Emmanuel Eru, Ogah Omenka, Onaa Clement, Dr Susan Ogbaji, Chief Dan Onda, Sir Dan Okwoche and several senior technocrats.
Support groups, youth bodies, market communities, women leaders and political veterans described the gathering as timely evidence that the grassroots now lean toward the APC’s rising influence.
Stakeholders from the three political zones in the area hailed Governor Alia for reconstructing the Achoho–Oju road, describing it as a long-awaited lifeline bringing relief to the entire Igede nation.
They expressed their readiness to reward the Gov Alia administration’s performance with overwhelming electoral support, insisting the people “know who is working and who is only talking.”
The Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, David Ogewu, was conspicuously absent at the rally, raising eyebrows among supporters and observers.
Many linked his absence to widening cracks between his faction and the governor’s structure.