Ojema Ojotu, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read Ojotu’s letter on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Until now, the APC held 10 of the 11 Benue seats in the Green Chamber. Ojotu’s move now gives the ruling party complete control of the state’s federal representation.
In his letter, Ojotu cited ongoing internal crises within the PDP as his reason for leaving.
“After consulting with my constituents, family, and political associates, I have decided to dump the PDP for the APC,” he wrote.
However, the defection drew opposition from Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki (NNPP), who called on the Speaker to declare Ojotu’s seat vacant.
He referenced Section 68 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which mandates a seat be vacated if a lawmaker leaves the party that sponsored their election without valid grounds such as a party split.
Majority Leader Ibrahim Halims countered the motion, citing Order 7, arguing that a prolonged unresolved party crisis justifies Ojotu’s switch.
Deputy Speaker Kalu welcomed Ojotu into the APC fold, assuring him of the party’s full support.
Ojotu currently chairs the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
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