By Lubem Gena, who was in Lessel
In a significant political shift within Benue State, Hon. Terhemen Atii has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to align with what he described as a “purposeful, development-driven leadership”.
According to him, his entry into the party is to join hands with others and facilitate projects, programmes and activities that will bring about development to his people.
His decampment headlined a major defection rally held at the LGEA Primary School, Ge-Mbagwa in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area, where hundreds of supporters crossed over to the ruling APC.
Hon. Atii was joined by other prominent figures including Prof. David ‘Iornem, Dr. Paul Orhii, Hon. Salem Atsehe, Hon. Leo-Frank Mondo, Hon. Michael Boikyaa, veteran journalist Maurice Tsav and several others. Speaking on behalf of the group,
Atii explained that his decision was motivated by the impressive performance of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose administration, he believed, has rekindled hope in governance across the state.
He also said the appointment of his Ushongo brother, Honourable Denis Ter Iyaghigba as the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy has added impetus to his decamping.
In their separate remarks, Prof. Iornem and Dr. Orhii said their entry into the APC was to “join hands with a performing governor” to attract more dividends of democracy to Benue State, particularly Ushongo. They emphasized that Governor Alia’s leadership style, reforms and developmental strides had convinced them that the APC remained the most credible platform for meaningful political engagement.
Other speakers at the event—including the Chairman of Ushongo LGA, Hon. Timothy Terkimbu Adzu; Hon. Terkula Aôndo; and Hon. Mvendaga Atetan—commended the defectors, stressing that the APC was the only party with a guaranteed path to victory in the 2027 elections. They urged the new members to key fully into the party’s agenda to accelerate development.
The hundreds of new APC members, received by the Kwande APC Chairman, Dr. Orduen Kor, were drawn from several council wards including Mbakuhwa, Atirkyese, Mbaaka, Mbaawe, Agir, Township, Mbagba, Mbagwaza, Ikyov, Utange and Mbayegh, signaling a broad-based shift in political allegiance.
The well-attended event also featured the presence of Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy; Hon. Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; alongside women groups, youths and other critical political stakeholders who described the mass defection as a boost to the APC’s strength in Benue State.
Attached are some pictures from the event.
