In a historic political realignment that has significantly altered the landscape of Agatu Local Government Area, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday staged a grand rally that drew thousands of supporters, marking the formal reception of Rep. Chief Dr. Ojotu Ojema, PhD, and numerous other defectors into the ruling party. The event, held at the expansive LGEA Primary School Field in Obagaji, has been described as one of the most defining political gatherings in the area since the 2023 elections.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Benue State Chairman of the APC, Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, extolled the Executive Chairman of Agatu LGA, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, describing him as a “visionary leader whose wisdom, humility, and relentless pursuit of peace and security have restored a sense of direction to Agatu.”
Omale noted that Ejeh’s leadership style anchored on inclusiveness, community engagement, and dignity has endeared him to the people and strengthened the APC’s acceptance across the local government.
The State Chairman lauded the people of Agatu for turning out en masse to identify with the APC, emphasising that their overwhelming presence symbolises not only their confidence in Rep. Ojema but also their growing faith in President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu , Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and the APC-led government at all levels.
He described the entry of Rep. Ojema into the party as “a strategic and transformative milestone that will further consolidate the APC’s dominance in Benue South.”
Hon. (Amb.) Melvin James Ejeh, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of ALGON in Benue State, formally welcomed the State Chairman and other dignitaries to Agatu, commending Chief Omale’s leadership for being “accommodating, unifying, and development-driven.”
Ejeh used the occasion to express profound gratitude to Governor Alia for his numerous interventions in Agatu, noting that the administration has shown unprecedented commitment to infrastructure renewal and community upliftment.
He highlighted the ongoing construction of the Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe Road—one of the most critical road corridors in the area and disclosed that additional road projects have already received approval, with work expected to commence shortly.
According to Ejeh, “Governor Alia has demonstrated genuine love for Agatu, and we are already witnessing a transformation that previous administrations failed to deliver.”
Welcoming Rep. Ojema into the APC, Ejeh described him as “a man of purpose and political courage whose decision reflects a desire for progress, unity, and alignment with a government that prioritises development.”
He asserted that Ojema’s defection has “weakened other political structures beyond repair,” declaring with confidence that “Agatu is now fully an APC stronghold.”
In his remarks, the Apa/Agatu federal house of representatives member, Chief Dr. Ojotu Ojema expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming solidarity displayed by the Agatu people and APC stakeholders.
He pledged to deploy his legislative influence to attract further development projects to the constituency, assuring party members that there would be no discrimination of any kind under his watch.
Ojema also emphasised the critical importance of the ongoing voter registration exercise, urging constituents to seize the opportunity to register or update their details as a preparation for future elections.
He noted that full participation in electoral processes remains a key pathway for Agatu to “reap the full dividends of democracy.”
The atmosphere grew more vibrant as senior government officials delivered goodwill messages.
Benue State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu Ijaguwa, and the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Idris Ojimbili Audu, both praised Governor Alia’s leadership, describing it as “visionary, inclusive, and development-focused.”
They commended the administration for prioritising Agatu in its infrastructure and social development agenda.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official handing over of the APC flag to Rep. Ojema by the State Chairman, symbolising his formal and complete integration into the party. The symbolic gesture sparked jubilation among supporters, many of whom expressed optimism that the new political alignment would bring long-awaited development to the area.
The rally drew a large and diverse crowd, including political leaders from various parties, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, APC faithful, and enthusiastic members of the general public.
Amb Obochi Solomon
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive of Agatu local government.
November 30, 2025