ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured control of all 11 House of Representatives seats from Benue State after Hon. Ojema Ojotu, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Ojotu’s defection was announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by the presiding Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who read the lawmaker’s letter of resignation from the PDP on the floor of the Green Chamber.
In the letter, Ojotu, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Inland Waterways, attributed his decision to the “perennial crisis” within the PDP, stating the move came “after consultation with his constituents, family members and political associates.”
The defection was immediately challenged by the House Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP). Madaki raised a constitutional point of order, arguing that Ojotu’s seat should be declared vacant under Order 68 (1) (g) because the PDP, which sponsored his election, is not experiencing a division.
However, House Majority Leader Hon. Ibrahim Halims (APC) countered the objection. He argued under Order 7 that “when there is an unresolved crisis in a party… the person concerned can leave to protect his future.”
The Deputy Speaker set aside the objection, formally welcomed Hon. Ojotu to the APC, and assured him of the party’s support.
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