50,000 Opposition Members Join APC in Mega Ceremony

In a stunning display of political realignment, Konshisha Local Government Area in Benue State witnessed a historic mega decamping ceremony yesterday, where an estimated 50,000 members from various opposition parties officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The event, held in the hometown of prominent APC convener Engineer Livinus Adzer Tsar, PhD, drew massive crowds and featured high-profile figures pledging unwavering support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ceremony kicked off with a solemn moment of silence led by Chief Theophilus Adzaagee, Chairman of the occasion, in honor of the late Chief Akaager. In his address, Chief Adzaagee urged old APC members to embrace the new entrants with open arms and called on the decampees to demonstrate respect and commitment to the party’s ideals. He lauded Governor Alia for his remarkable achievements, particularly in paying pensions and restoring vitality to governance in Benue State.

Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako, a member of the State House of Assembly from the Labour Party, praised Governor Alia’s outstanding leadership, citing visible development and accountability as key reasons for his defection. He announced that all Labour Party members in Konshisha have joined the APC, symbolizing a complete shift in local political dynamics.

Prominent among the decampees were several political heavyweights who expressed confidence in Governor Alia’s leadership and readiness to work for Konshisha’s progress. Hon. Timothy Igba Agbende declared he was not just present to witness the birth of a new Konshisha but to assist in its rebirth through the efforts of Engr. Dr. Livinus Tsar. Similarly, Hon. Amee Tseer described the movement as a homecoming, urging all sons and daughters of Jechira to return and support the performing Governor.

Hon. Mwuse Ubebe emphasized that those remaining outside the new political fold lack the true interest of Konshisha and Benue at heart. She rallied the people behind Engr. Dr. Livinus Tsar and Governor Alia’s developmental vision. Tondo Ahire proclaimed in a spirited declaration that the entire Konshisha is now for Alia, hailing him as the best Governor Benue has ever produced.

Chief Clement Adzuanongu, represented by Hon. Asor Nenge, commended Governor Alia for remembering Konshisha through various developmental gestures, including appointing a son of Konshisha as Vice Chancellor of the newly established University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihuah. Hon. Anula Gbandem humorously noted he had not left the party but was merely “rejoining after chasing ghosts” during his previous departure.

Meanwhile, Hon. Richard Ujeg, a former member of the Benue State House of Assembly, reiterated his long-standing loyalty to the APC and recalled his earlier advocacy for a Jechira son to succeed former Governor Ortom. He praised Governor Alia as the best candidate Jechira has offered and commended Dr. Livinus Tsar for mobilizing such a massive turnout, describing him as the driving force behind the event’s success.

In an emotional address that moved him to tears, Dr. Tsar led songs of praise in honor of Governor Alia before presenting 10,000 new decampees to the Governor and APC national leadership. Recounting his return home, he identified water scarcity as a major challenge and personally embarked on drilling boreholes to alleviate the problem. Dr. Tsar declared the era of fake projects over, asserting that the time for visible, practical action had arrived.

He assured the people that Governor Alia had promised to construct and complete roads within a short period, pledging to continue his grassroots development initiatives. Dr. Tsar also encouraged citizens to register and obtain voter cards in preparation to return Governor Alia to office, describing him as the only leader capable of transforming Benue. He urged Konshisha residents to reject opportunists seeking power without tangible achievements.

State Chairman Chief Benjamin Omale and Hon. Terlumun Aginde warmly received the decampees, pledging unity and progress. The event symbolized a renewed sense of unity and hope for the people of Konshisha Local Government Area and the entire Jechira axis of Benue State.

Governor Alia’s pointman in Konshisha local government and Convener of Livitsar Support Group for Alia/Tinubu 2027, Engineer Livinus Adzer Tsar, PhD, together with Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, Chairman of the Benue State chapter of APC, received the 50,000 decampees from opposition parties. This mass movement underscores a growing consolidation behind the APC, positioning Governor Alia for a strong reelection bid in 2027.