According to a report by The Nation, Prof. Eugene Aliegba and John Tion dumped the party during a ceremony in Naka, Gwer West local government area of the state.

While addressing supporters who defected with them, Aliegba said the leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari compelled him to join the party.

He also praised Senator George Akume and committed to working with him for the good the APC and the people of Benue State.

Ortom's defection tears PDP apart

The defection of the two aspirants is believed to be a direct consequence of the incumbent state governor, Samuel Ortom, dumping the APC for the PDP last month.

Governorship aspirants of the PDP kicked against Ortom's defection amid claims that he had been promised an automatic ticket ahead of the state's 2019 gubernatorial election.