Ojotu Ojema, a member of the House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State, has stirred controversy after stating that employment opportunities and scholarship slots may only be available to Nigerians who belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at an event organised by the National Association of Agatu Students, Ojema urged constituents to register as party members and obtain APC identification cards linked to their National Identification Number (NIN) to avoid missing out on opportunities.
“If you are not in APC and job opportunities come, nobody may consider you if your NIN is not registered with APC. You may lose the opportunity. Don’t let anybody deceive you. Follow APC,” he said.
The lawmaker argued that the party’s influence extends beyond politics into multiple sectors, stressing that membership could provide access to admissions, employment, and other benefits.
“If you know it is not just about politics but about opportunities, get your APC card and be a member,” Ojema added, noting that the party produced President Bola Tinubu.
Ojema further claimed that the APC continues to attract defectors from other parties, citing the number of governors aligned with the party as evidence of its growing dominance.
Public backlash
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who argue that the country operates a multi-party democratic system and that access to public opportunities should not be tied to party affiliation.
Some social media users described the comments as discriminatory and contrary to Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on political association.
Others warned that limiting opportunities to party members undermines merit-based systems and democratic principles.
Despite the backlash, Ojema has not publicly clarified or withdrawn his statement as of press time.
