Tension is currently brewing in the camp of Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia following the massive defection and resignation of his appointees from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The political turmoil in the state is tensed up as politicians have stated realignments in earnest to reshape and reconstruct the existing political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The latest of those that have parted ways with the Governor is the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon.
Thomas Dugeri, who represented Kwande West in the hallowed chambers.

Hon. Dugeri’s defection to the PDP alongside his numerous supporters, is fast threatening the chances of the ruling party emerging victorious in the entire Kwande Local Government Area as he has already instructed his constituents to support the governorship candidate of the PDP, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa.

The Deputy Chairman of the PDP in Benue State, Hon. Adzua Ashongo, yesterday formally presented Hon. Dugeri to the immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the PDP in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, at the former governor’s Abuja residence.

Hon. Dugeri is now the PDP candidate for the constituency in the 2027 general election.

During the meeting, which was his first with the Benue PDP leader since joining the party, Hon. Dugeri expressed appreciation to Chief Ortom, other leaders and members of the PDP for the warm reception accorded him since his defection.

He particularly thanked PDP members in Kwande and across the state for embracing him and his supporters, describing the reception as encouraging.

The lawmaker assured the party of his unflinching loyalty and commitment, pledging to work with other stakeholders towards securing victory for the PDP at all levels in the 2027 general election.

Welcoming Hon. Dugeri to the party, Chief Ortom assured him and his supporters of equal opportunities and a level playing field within the PDP.

The former governor described the PDP as a broad political family where both old and new members have an equal role to play in strengthening the party and advancing its quest to return to power in Benue State in 2027.

New Telegraph gathered that not only the Majority Leader, many other appointees of the governor have since resigned due to what they described as the “crises and misfortunes staring the APC” in the state in the face”.

Notable among those that have so far resigned include: Dr. Jimmy Terhemen Ajim, who was the Director-General for Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs, Mr. Atu Terver Joseph, who was the Governor’s Special Assistant on Youths and Media Mobilization who resigned in June 2026 following a publicized meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Another high profile appointee of the governor who also resigned is the Special Adviser on Sanitation, Hon. Sunday Shizum, who left in early August.

Also, Dzeremo Frederick who was given a casual appointment at the SEMA office in Abagena IDP camp, has also dropped his pen.

Earlier, the SSG, Prof. Joseph Alkali who also hails from Kwande Local government area, having served the governor for one year and three months, had resigned.

New Telegraph learnt that most of those who called it quits from the present administration, have faced political realignments and internal friction within the state chapter of the APC.

It has been gathered that most of those who have resigned may work against the success of the APC in 2027.