The member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency
of Benue State, Hon. Ojotu Ojema, has defected from the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was formally announced on Tuesday by the
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who
presided over the plenary session.
Kalu read Ojotu’s defection letter on the floor of the
House, in which the lawmaker cited the “prolonged internal crisis” within the
PDP as the reason for his decision to quit the party.
Ojotu stated that he consulted widely with his
constituents, family members, and political associates before making the move
to the APC.
However, his defection sparked immediate opposition in
the chamber. The Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP), raised a
Point of Order, urging the presiding officer to declare Ojotu’s seat vacant.
Responding, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Ibrahim
Halims, countered Madaki’s position, arguing that the Constitution permits a
lawmaker to defect from a political party if there is a division or crisis
within the party.
“When there is an unresolved crisis in a party and
that party cannot resolve its issues, the person concerned can leave to protect
his political future,” Halims stated.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker welcomed Ojotu to
the APC and assured him of the party’s support.
Ojotu currently serves as Chairman of the House
Committee on Inland Waterways.
With his defection, the APC now controls all 11 House
of Representatives seats from Benue State, consolidating its dominance in the
North-Central state.
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