The Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Thomas Dugeri, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dugeri, who represents Kwande West State Constituency in the assembly, was formally received into the PDP by former Benue State Governor and party leader, Samuel Ortom, in Abuja.
The lawmaker was welcomed by Ortom at the former governor’s residence when Dugeri met him for the first time since announcing his decision to leave the APC.
Dugeri was introduced to Ortom by the Benue State PDP Deputy Chairman, Adzua Ashongo, in the presence of other party members and supporters.
The lawmaker thanked Ortom and other PDP leaders for accepting him and his supporters into the party.
He also expressed appreciation to PDP members in Kwande and other parts of Benue State for the warm reception they had received since joining the opposition party.
Dugeri said he was ready to work with the PDP leadership and members to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He added that his decision to join the PDP was motivated by his desire to work with party leaders and other stakeholders to achieve the party’s political goals.
While receiving Dugeri and his supporters, Ortom welcomed them into the PDP and assured them that they would be treated fairly like other members of the party.
The former governor said the PDP remained open to people who were willing to contribute to its growth.
He added that both old and new members had important roles to play in rebuilding the party.
Ortom urged Dugeri and other PDP members to work together to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections as the opposition party seeks to regain power in Benue State.
