A major political realignment happened on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Benue State as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP) in Vandeikya Local Government Area formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection ceremony, held on Saturday, drew large crowds of party supporters and was described as “a total collapse of opposition” in the local government area, which is the home of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking during the event, the Benue State APC Chairman, Benjamin Omale, declared that with the mass defection, the opposition had effectively ceased to exist in Vandeikya.
“With what we are witnessing today, there is no longer any opposition in Vandeikya LGA,” Omale said.
“This is the governor’s home base, and the people have shown where their confidence lies.”
He added that the defection reflected the overwhelming support Governor Alia enjoys among the people of the area.
Leading the defectors were a former PDP governorship aspirant, Dominic Akaaha, and a former Commissioner for Information, Cletus Akwaya, who joined forces with several members of the ADC and Labour Party to declare loyalty to the APC.
Omale noted that the calibre of political figures crossing over to the ruling party was proof of its growing influence in the state.
“The calibre of politicians who joined the APC today shows clearly that there is no longer any serious opposition in Vandeikya,” he stated.
Omale attributed the surge in defections to the performance of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which, according to him, had restored public trust in the ruling party.
“The massive defection you all witnessed today came as a result of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s performance in all areas of governance,” Omale said.
“It is very clear that this local government (Vandeikya) has been sealed for Governor Hyacinth Alia.”
He described the event as historic, noting that many prominent sons and daughters of Kunav land had joined the APC in what he called a demonstration of confidence in the current administration.
The APC chairman also disclosed that the party was expecting similar defections from other local government areas in the coming weeks.
“The event and turnout show that the people of Benue State are happy with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia as their leaders,” Omale said.
“We are now calling on all the people of Benue State to give their votes to Tinubu and Alia during the next general elections and see how they will add value to good governance and improve the living standards of Nigerians.”