A major political realignment shook Benue South on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as a former Caretaker Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon. Inalegwu Adakonye, officially defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
​The high-profile defection took place at the PDP Local Government Secretariat in Otukpo Town. Hon. Adakonye led a wave of political chieftains and key party stakeholders from the APC, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) into the PDP fold.
​Alongside Hon. Adakonye, key political leaders who dumped their former parties include; Hon. Adoga Edache (alias Ebo) – ADC Chieftain, Mr. Emmanuel Akoche –Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Leader, Mr. Garuba Sule –APC Leader, Ugboju Icho Ward and Mr. John Ojonye –ADC Chairman, Ugboju Ehaji Ward.
​The defectors were accompanied by their executive committee members and supporters across various wards in Otukpo LG.
​Receiving the new members into the party was a delegation of PDP leaders and candidates, including: Dr. Oyije Ochaeikiti – PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Godwin Ochapa –Otukpo LG PDP Chairman, Hon. Johnson Egli- House of Assembly Candidate for Otukpo/Akpa, Hon. Gabriel Olofu – House of Assembly Candidate for Adoka/Ugboju and Rt. Hon. George Alli, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President.
​Welcoming the defectors on behalf of the party, Dr. Oyije Ochaeikiti promised them full integration and equal opportunities within the PDP.
​”Their decision to join our fold is a clear testament to the growing acceptability and strength of the PDP across Benue South,” Dr. Oyije stated. “We assure every one of you equal opportunities and total inclusion in all party activities as we work together to rebuild our constituency.”
​Speaking on behalf of the defecting stakeholders, Hon. Inalegwu Adakonye expressed satisfaction with the decision, citing a shared commitment to community development and political stability. The defectors formally surrendered their former party cards and pledged total loyalty to work for the victory of the PDP across all levels in upcoming elections.
