The senator representing Benue North-East senatorial district, Sen. Barnabas Gemade has defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that Gemade, a founding member and former National Chairman of the PDP, rejoined it from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July, barely 55 days.
But speaking about his latest SDP move, the 70-year-old Gemade accused the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who also joined PDP from APC recently, of betraying him over the PDP ticket for North-East senatorial district.
Gemade was said to have picked the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the PDP three weeks ago but failed to return them.
Read Also: PDP’s 16 Years Wasted In Akwa Ibom – Akpabio
Despite being an ex-PDP National Chairman, Gemade had defected to the APC in 2014 and contested the Benue North-East senatorial district seat against then incumbent Governor Gabriel Suswam.
Gemade had left the PDP after getting wind of plans by Suswam, who was also eyeing the senatorial seat, to frustrate his ambition on the PDP platform.
He proceeded to defeat the governor in the senatorial election.
According to reports, Gemade is expected to return his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to his new party today.
Gemade is seeking a third term in the Senate.
With his latest defection, the stage is set for the replay of the 2015 polls between Gemade and Suswam.