A significant political shift has occurred in Benue State, Nigeria, as at least 10,000 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others, have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Agatu Local Government Area. This mass defection took place on May 13, 2025, during the official unveiling of the ADC in Agatu, led by the Benue State Chairman of the party, Terngu Tsegba.
The event, which was well-attended by political supporters and admirers of Sir John Ngbede, a prominent leader in Agatu, marked a substantial expansion of the ADC’s presence in the region. Ngbede, who donated a building to serve as the party’s new secretariat, was formally unveiled as the leader of the ADC in Agatu. He expressed confidence that the dominance of the PDP and APC in the area is over, a statement that was met with enthusiasm from the crowd.
Tsegba commended the party’s leadership in Agatu for organizing the event, which he described as the largest unveiling ceremony in the state. He praised Ngbede for his role in mobilizing grassroots support and assured the people that the ADC is committed to inclusiveness, stability, and internal democracy. The party’s focus on grassroots engagement and community development initiatives was also highlighted during the event.
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the State Secretary, Samson Okwu, and former PDP Chairman, Chris Adaba Aba. The event also featured the commissioning of the new party office, further solidifying the ADC’s growing presence in Agatu. With this significant influx of new members, the ADC is poised to make a substantial impact in the upcoming elections, potentially altering the political landscape of Benue State.
The defection of thousands of members from major parties to the ADC underscores the shifting political allegiances in Nigeria. As the country’s political landscape continues to evolve, the ADC’s growing presence in regions like Agatu may signal a notable change in the balance of power. The party’s commitment to grassroots engagement and community development initiatives may resonate with voters, potentially leading to increased support in future elections.