Benue Lawmaker Under Fire for Saying Non-APC Members Risk Denial of Admission, Jobs

Hon. Ojema Ojotu, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State, has come under heavy public criticism following comments widely viewed as threatening the civic rights of his constituents on the basis of political affiliation.

Ojotu made the controversial remarks during a meeting with constituents, a video of which has since circulated widely. In the footage, the lawmaker urged residents to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress, warning that failure to do so could cost them access to education and employment opportunities.

“The party that is good for our people in Agatu is APC. If you know you have not collected your APC membership card, go and collect it, just in case tomorrow you are going to look for admission in one school. President of the country is APC. We have 36 states and the FCT and 30 governors are already in APC, plus FCT, making 31 and more are still coming. If job opportunity come and you are not in APC, nobody will give you. You will be denied because no one will give you that opportunity. So we will follow APC,” Ojotu said.

The statement has sparked outrage across Apa and Agatu communities, with several indigenes, who requested anonymity, condemning the comments as undemocratic, intimidating, and unconstitutional.

One resident described the remarks as a direct assault on citizens’ rights. “Admission into schools and access to jobs are not party favours; they are basic rights,” the source said. “For a lawmaker to openly say people will be punished for their political choices is frightening.”

Another indigene questioned the moral grounding of the lawmaker, who is widely known as a pastor. “It is disturbing that a so-called pastor would reduce people’s future to party membership,” the resident said. “Faith teaches fairness and justice, not threats and exclusion.”

Critics argue that Ojotu’s comments are particularly troubling given his oath of office, which requires him to represent all constituents regardless of political affiliation. They warn that tying public opportunities to party loyalty undermines democracy, promotes political coercion, and erodes trust in governance.

A youth leader from the constituency said the remarks reflect misplaced priorities. “Our people are facing insecurity, unemployment, and neglect. Instead of confronting these issues, our representative is telling us to carry party cards to survive,” the source said.

Others noted the irony of the comments against the backdrop of widespread dissatisfaction with representation in the constituency. “What people expect from their representative is advocacy, quality legislation, and development—not threats,” another resident said.

As reactions continue to trail the remarks, constituents are calling on political leaders, civil society organisations, and relevant authorities to caution the lawmaker and reaffirm that access to education, jobs, and public opportunities cannot be conditioned on party affiliation.

For many in Apa/Agatu, the episode has reopened deeper concerns about leadership, accountability, and whether elected officials truly understand that public office is a trust to serve all citizens—not a tool to intimidate them.