By Our Reporter – Ganye, Adamawa State
In a major political development that has reshaped the landscape of Ganye Local Government, Honourable Benjamin Brandford, the Labour Party candidate in the last Ganye State House of Assembly bye-election, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what many observers describe as a symbol of reconciliation, renewal, and political realignment.
The defection, which took place on Saturday at the residence of Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed, the Walin Ganye, was attended by a massive crowd of supporters, stakeholders, and community leaders who gathered to witness what they called a homecoming of unity and progress.
Although Walin Ganye was unavoidably absent, he was ably represented by Alhaji Mansur Toungo (Dan Majen Ganye), a respected APC chieftain and major stakeholder in the Ganye Chiefdom. His presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the deep respect Walin Ganye commands across political divides.
Hon. Brandford, who had previously taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court for excluding his name during the bye-election, said his return to the APC was guided by wisdom, maturity, and the fatherly influence of Walin Ganye, whom he described as “a beacon of peace and a bridge-builder in Adamawa politics.”
> “I have come back to the APC family with renewed conviction and loyalty. The wise counsel and unifying spirit of Walin Ganye inspired me to take this step. Politics should not divide us; it should unite us for the greater good of our people,” Brandford stated to the cheers of supporters.
Representing the Adamawa State APC Chairman, the Ganye Local Government APC Chairman, Hon. Mathias Augustine, alongside the Zonal Party Chairman, Alhaji Hammanjoda Umaru Farang, and other stakeholders, formally received Hon. Brandford and his supporters into the party.
In his welcome address, Hon. Mathias Augustine praised Brandford for his humility and statesmanship, noting that his return would further strengthen the APC’s grassroots network in Ganye.
> “Hon. Benjamin’s return to the fold is not only timely but strategic. It speaks volumes of the unity and inclusiveness that define our party. The APC remains a home for all who seek progress and development,” he said.
Alh. Hammanjoda Umaru Farang, who also spoke on behalf of the State Chairman, commended Walin Ganye for his relentless efforts in promoting unity and harmony within the political space, describing him as “the silent force behind Ganye’s political stability.”
Adding his voice, Hon. Suwukumfakeni Charles Bansi (Wambai Danaba), former Sole Administrator of the Gangdu Development Area, hailed Walin Ganye for his selfless and fatherly leadership, saying:
> “Walin Ganye has always put the people above politics. His wisdom and generosity of spirit have kept Ganye united and progressive. He is a father to all, and his impact will be remembered for generations.”
The event was also attended by several former executive chairmen of Ganye Local Government, who had earlier defected to the APC prior to the bye-election. Their presence added colour and weight to the occasion, as songs of solidarity and chants of victory echoed through the crowd.
Residents and political watchers alike described the event as a clear demonstration of unity and renewed purpose under the leadership influence of Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed (Walin Ganye), whose guiding hand continues to shape the political harmony of the region.
Analysts say the defection of Hon. Benjamin Brandford and his large support base could have far-reaching implications for the political dynamics of Ganye and Adamawa State, reinforcing the APC’s grassroots strength ahead of future elections.
With Walin Ganye’s unifying spirit once again at the centre of a major reconciliation, Ganye has reaffirmed its place as a political beacon in Adamawa — where leadership, dialogue, and peace remain the cornerstones of enduring progress.
PIONEER NEWS 