Benue Assembly Minority Leader, Abu Umoru defects from PDP to APC

Fresh defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to alter the political balance in the Benue State House of Assembly, following the decision of Minority Leader Abu Umoru to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umoru, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu State Constituency, had assumed the role of minority leader toward the end of last year after the political shift that followed the defection of former Majority Leader, Audu.

During Thursday’s plenary, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Berger, read Umoru’s letter announcing his exit from the PDP and entry into the APC. The Speaker said the latest development further strengthens the ruling party’s control of the Assembly.

Following the switch, Berger disclosed that the APC now commands 28 seats in the 32-member legislature, while the PDP is left with only four lawmakers.

After declaring his new political affiliation, Umoru was immediately appointed Deputy Majority Leader.

Explaining his decision on the floor of the House, the lawmaker said the move was driven by political strategy rather than personal interests.

According to him, the choice to leave the opposition was influenced by his desire to support the developmental agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“My decision to join the APC is informed by the need to unite with the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring the much-needed development and transformation to my constituents in Apa and Agatu,” Umoru said during plenary.

His defection deals another setback to the PDP in Benue State, where several political figures have moved to the APC since the 2023 general elections.

Although the state chapter of the PDP has not officially reacted to the development, observers believe the shrinking number of opposition lawmakers could weaken critical debate and oversight within the Assembly.

The latest change means the APC now maintains overwhelming control of the state legislature, a situation likely to ease the passage of policies and bills proposed by Governor Alia’s administration.