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By Tracy Moses
The member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State, Hon. Ojema Ojotu, has swapped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ojotu, who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Inland Waterways, announced his defection through a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Explaining the reasons for his decision, the lawmaker cited persistent internal wrangling, unresolved leadership disputes, and deep-seated divisions within the PDP at both national and state levels. He said these challenges had rendered the party ineffective and incapable of providing direction.
“After extensive consultations with my family, political allies, and constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party that I believe offers greater stability, unity, and a better platform to advance the interests of my people and contribute to Nigeria’s progress,” Ojetu stated.
He signed the letter as Chief Hon. (Pastor) Ojema Ojetu, Ph.D., and requested that his new political alignment be duly reflected in the records of the House.
Following the announcement, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, who represents Dala Federal Constituency of Kano State, raised a constitutional objection, referencing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Madaki argued that Ojetu’s defection was unconstitutional, insisting that since he was elected under the PDP, he could not legally switch parties before the end of his tenure without losing his seat.
“Mr. Speaker, the law is clear, any member elected on the ticket of a political party who defects to another before the expiration of that term automatically forfeits his seat. There is no evidence of division in the PDP to justify this move,” Madaki contended.
In response, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, disagreed, stressing that the Constitution allows for defection where a political party is enmeshed in internal crises.
“The same constitutional provision gives room for a member to leave if his political party is facing serious internal divisions or leadership crises,” Halims maintained.
After considering arguments from both lawmakers, Speaker Abbas ruled Madaki’s point of order unsustained.
He formally received Ojetu into the APC fold, congratulating him and urging him to cooperate with his new colleagues in the service of his constituents.
“My brother who has just crossed over, you are welcome to the ruling party. Ensure that you continue to represent your people effectively,” the Speaker stated.