Mass exodus hits Benue South APC as ex-LG boss, Alia loyalists dump party for NDC over Onjeh

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue South is facing a fresh wave of resignations following the exit of some of its grassroots leaders and political figures, many of whom are said to be moving to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in solidarity with Comrade Daniel Onjeh.

Among those who have reportedly dumped the ruling party are a former Caretaker Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Hon. Abah Paul; immediate past APC Chairman of Orokam Ward 1, Onogwu A. Daniel; and Hon. Iduh Godfrey of Ugboju-Icho in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The development comes months after the controversial APC Benue South senatorial primary, which saw Onjeh pull out of the race at the eleventh hour before Dr Francis Ottah Agbo eventually emerged as the party’s candidate.

Onjeh, who had vigorously campaigned for the APC senatorial ticket, announced his withdrawal shortly before the May 2026 primary, alleging irregularities in the process.

Despite his withdrawal, the exercise went ahead, with Ottah Agbo emerging as the APC candidate for the Benue South senatorial district ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The outcome widened the political differences between Onjeh and the APC leadership in the state, culminating in his eventual exit from the ruling party.

Onjeh subsequently joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, opening another chapter in his political career and triggering a realignment among some of his supporters and political associates across Benue South.

The latest resignations appear to indicate that some of his political allies are following him out of the APC.

One of the prominent figures in the latest wave of defections is Abah Paul, a former Caretaker Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA and APC leader in Orokam Ward 3.

In a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Abah announced his decision to quit the APC and step down as the party’s leader in Orokam Ward 3.

He expressed appreciation to the ward chairman, stakeholders and members for their support during his years in the party.

“This is to bring to your knowledge that today being 31/8/2026, I hereby resigned and stepped down as the leader of the All Progressives Congress, Orokam 3, henceforth,” he stated.

Abah also thanked stakeholders for the confidence reposed in his leadership over the past four years.

He was subsequently reported to have joined the NDC in solidarity with Onjeh.

Similarly, Hon. Iduh Godfrey of Ugboju-Icho reportedly dumped the APC for the NDC in solidarity with the former senatorial aspirant.

The development also spread to Orokam Ward 1, where immediate past APC Ward Chairman, Onogwu A. Daniel, announced his resignation from the party.

In a formal resignation letter dated September 1, 2026, Onogwu attributed his decision to what he described as instability, internal divisions and other challenges within the APC.

“This decision has been carefully considered and is based on the prevailing instability, internal divisions, and challenges within the Party.

“After considerable reflection, I have decided that stepping aside from the Party at this time is necessary for me to maintain focus, preserve my personal values, and avoid the distractions and divided attention that may arise from the current situation,” he said.

Onogwu, however, stressed that his decision was not motivated by disrespect or ill feelings towards any leader or member of the APC.

According to him, the resignation would give him an opportunity to reassess his political direction and future aspirations.

“I sincerely appreciate the leadership, members, supporters, friends, and political associates with whom I have had the privilege of working during my time in the APC.

“I am particularly grateful for the trust, cooperation, support, and confidence reposed in me during my tenure as Ward Chairman,” he added.

Unlike Abah and Iduh, Onogwu did not expressly announce in his resignation letter that he had joined the NDC.

He said his next political move would be made public at the appropriate time.

“Going forward, I will carefully consider my political options and future direction. Any future political alliance, affiliation, or decision will be duly communicated to my supporters, political associates, friends, and the general public at the appropriate time,” he stated.

The latest developments are expected to intensify political realignments in Benue South ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as Onjeh attempts to consolidate his political base within the Nigerian Democratic Congress.