The Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Thomas Dugeri, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dugeri, who represents Kwande West State Constituency, was formally received into the PDP by former Benue State Governor and party leader, Samuel Ortom, in Abuja.
The presentation was made at Ortom’s residence during Dugeri’s first meeting with the former governor since announcing his defection.
The lawmaker was presented to Ortom by the deputy chairman of the PDP in Benue State, Adzua Ashongo.
Dugeri expressed appreciation to Ortom and other PDP leaders for the welcome given to him and his supporters since they joined the party.
He also thanked party members in Kwande and other parts of Benue for accepting him, describing the reception as encouraging.
“I remain committed to the PDP and will work with other party leaders and members to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
He said his move was based on his decision to work with the PDP and other stakeholders to achieve the party’s objectives in the next election.
Receiving the lawmaker, Ortom welcomed Dugeri and his supporters into the PDP, assuring them that the party would provide equal opportunities to both new and existing members.
Ortom described the PDP as a broad political family where every member has a role to play in building the party.
The former governor urged Dugeri and other members to work together to strengthen the PDP and support its efforts to regain power in Benue State in 2027.