By Donald Kumun
A major political realignment unfolded in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as 4,371 members of opposition parties defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing Governor Alia’s performance as the driving force behind their decision.
The mega rally—held at UPE Primary School, Naka—attracted thousands of party faithful, top government functionaries, traders, and community leaders.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, and Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, declared that the mass defection signalled a “new political awakening” in Gwer-West local Government.
Dr. Ikyaan, welcomed the decampees, noting the importance of their presence, why he said, the mammoth crowd gathered in their numbers, to celebrate their coming into the APC family. “The likes of Godfrey Choughul, a former local government chairman in Gwer-West, and other prominent sons and daughters of the local government, are well-experienced individuals with integrity and charisma, who have worked for their fatherland. Their joining us shows that this is not a trivial event.”
The Commissioner emphasized that the Governor’s interventions—particularly in security and infrastructure—had directly reshaped life in Gwer-West, recalling how, before the Alia’s administration, 14 of the 15 council wards, were under siege by criminal herders, forcing residents into displacement in the various IDP camps.
He emphasized on the directives of the Governor that the recent APC congress conducted in the local government, be repeated to carry the new members along, to also participate in the selection and voting processes, for the APC party exco, at the local government level , and called on everyone to embrace them as one indivisible family.
The Executive Chairman of the local Government, Hon. Victor Torsar Ormin, who led the reception for the new members, reaffirmed the uncompromising loyalty of the people of Tyoshin to continue to do the bidding of the Governor’s administration.
He praised Governor Alia for what he described as “visible testimonies of a government that works for all”, noting that the Potent Priest’s development agenda, had transformed the lives of Gwer-West communities within a short time of two years in office.
He also highlighted several key infrastructural, and security interventions by the Governor, that have had direct impact on the local government, such as the restoration of security that enabled displaced residents from the 14 of the 15 council wards, to return to their ancestral homes, after years of attacks by criminal herders.
The Council Chairman, listed ongoing projects such as the construction of the Okokolo–Agagbe–Makurdi road, drilling of boreholes, rehabilitation of the Naka Water Works, construction of public primary and secondary schools structures, desilting of the Naka Earth Dam, rebuilding of the burnt LG Council Secretariat, and empowerment programmes for countless youths and women, among others.
According to him, the achievements convinced many opposition members that the APC under the Governor’s administration, was the right political party as a home for them to take shelter. “The Governor’s sincerity and proactive leadership, have allowed us to achieve more in one year than previously imagined. Tyoshin people know their true children, and this time, the narrative will change. Those who have shown ingratitude will be recalled home for credible persons of integrity to take their rightful place, in the various positions occupied by them”, he said.
In their separate remarks, APC stalwarts including Prof. Eugene Aliegba, who is the Lead Point man of the Governor, in the local government, and Chief Goddy Ikerave, former House of representatives Member for Gwer/Gwer-West Federal Constituency, urged the new members to unite behind Governor Alia, stressing that the strength of the party ahead of the 2027 elections, would depend on sustained cohesion and collective purpose.
Responding on behalf of the decampees, former Chairman of the local Government, Hon. Godfrey Choughul, thanked the Governor for considering, and giving priority to their coming into APC, and pledged their unalloyed support, for his reelection, to continue the good work that he is doing for the people of Benue, and Gwer-West in particular.
Observers noted the caliber of decampees and the large turnout as a clear indication of APC’s growing influence and appeal in Gwer West, setting the stage for a strengthened party structure and a unified front ahead of upcoming elections for the Alia/Tinubu reelection, respectively.
Prominent among the decampees are; Hon. Nyam Ahula; Hon. Godfrey Choughul; Hon. Mrs Elizabeth Atorugh; Terumbur Michi; Hon. Hillary Terlumun Gber and Elder Mathias Iorshashi.
Others are: Elder Dominic Achagh Igbughul; Hon. Kenneth Usoon; Hon. Dennis Antyo; Elder Akoor Chahul; Hon. Moses Kpev; Hon. Aondowase Ushi, former Gwer West PDP Youth leader amongst others too numerous to mention.
Reaffirming the collective stand of the people, it was declared that Tyoshin people remain 100% committed to Governor Alia, urging the Governor to remain focused and undistracted by individuals who rose to power through his “Yes Father Movement”, but have since abandoned its ideals, and turn against his goodwill.
The Tyoshin people also highlighted ongoing government projects, describing them as tangible evidence of the administration’s commitment to grassroots development. The event, attended by high-profile personalities, and thousands of jubilant supporters, marked a new chapter for APC in Gwer West local government.
The massive defection, stakeholders noted, reflects growing confidence in the Governor’s leadership, and a renewed political direction, anchored on development, security, and inclusive governance, in the interest of all and sundry.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Naka, the Headquarters of Gwer-West.
