Benue governor Samuel Ortom defects from APC to PDP

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His spokesperson, Terver Akase, confirmed it saying, “Yes, he has defected from APC to PDP,” Mr Akase said by phone Wednesday.

Tahav Agerzua, a media adviser to the governor, said his principal complained that the APC was no longer a platform that had the interest of the people of Benue at heart.

“He now believes that his aspiration and the plight of Benue people would be better realised in the PDP than the APC,” Mr Agerzua said.

A spokesperson for the APC was not immediately available for comments.

Mr Ortom earlier made the announcement at a meeting with elected local government chairmen and councillors on Wednesday at the Government House Makurdi, Channels Television reported.

Mr Ortom’s defection comes barely a day after the Benue State House of Assembly impeached its APC Speaker, Terkimbi Tyanger.

Also, on Tuesday, scores of APC federal lawmakers dumped the party, with a substantial majority moving to the PDP. Some of the lawmakers were from Benue.