Assembly minority leader Benie dumps PDP, joins Governor Alia in APC

Benue State House of Assembly Minority Leader, Abu Umoru has announced his decision to leave the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umoru, representing Apa/Agatu State Constituency, has assumed the role of minority leader towards the end of 2025 following the defection of the former Majority Leader.

In Thursday’s plenary session, Benue State House of Assembly Speaker, Alfred Berger, read out Umoru’s letter, announcing his departure from the PDP and joining the APC.

The Chairperson said the latest developments further strengthened the ruling party’s control in the Assembly.

Following the transition, Berger revealed that the APC now controls 28 seats in the 32-member legislative body, while the PDP only has four MPs.

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After declaring his new political affiliation, Umoru was immediately appointed Deputy Majority Leader, joining the governor, Hyacinth Alia in the APC.

Explaining his decision in the House, the lawmaker said the move was driven by political strategy and not personal interests.

According to him, his choice to leave the opposition was influenced by his desire to support Governor Alia’s development agenda.

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