In what seems to be a recent blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 4 senators and three members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday formally introduced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senators Sampson Ekong, representing Akwa Ibom South, and Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, each tendered letters of defection on the ground of the Senate throughout plenary, which had been learn by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Bassey defined that his defection was “deeply considered” and pushed by “prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption.”
He added that his transfer was essential to “provide effective representation” and proceed serving the folks of Akwa Ibom Northeast.
Ekong additionally cited intensive consultations and the latest defection of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the APC as causes for his departure from the PDP. “Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances,” he mentioned. “The current division in the People’s Democratic Party leaves me with no other option than to seek an alternative platform.”
Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) additionally formally introduced their resignation from the PDP, finishing a quartet of senatorial exits from the get together on the identical day. Akpabio learn their letters at plenary.
Fadahunsi mentioned his political journey had led him to align with “like-minded individuals” dedicated to driving change. “I promise to bring my wealth of experience to bear at ensuring the victory of the APC from top to bottom,” he said.
Fadeyi, for his half, blamed the PDP’s “failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians,” citing rising frustration over lack of infrastructural improvement, job creation, and fundamental providers in his senatorial district. “The numerous court cases involving party members have tarnished the party’s image, disrupted its core mission, and fractured the umbrella,” he mentioned, referring to the PDP’s brand.
Meanwhile, over within the House of Representatives, three PDP lawmakers—Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/East/North/South, Osun), Omirin Olusanya (Atakunmosa East/West and Ilesha East/West, Osun), and Marcus Onobun (Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben, Edo)—additionally defected to the APC.
Their defection letters had been learn by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas throughout Wednesday’s plenary. No causes had been said on the ground, however get together insiders cited mounting inside divisions and dissatisfaction with PDP’s inside management buildings.
The defections come amid ongoing hypothesis that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke can also be contemplating leaving the PDP, following latest endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by the Osun PDP caucus for the 2027 presidential election—an motion that raised eyebrows inside the get together.
Earlier this week, the Osun APC claimed that Governor Adeleke was denied entry into the ruling get together on grounds that he was “a liability.” The assertion got here shortly after the PDP caucus urged Adeleke to stay within the get together regardless of endorsing Tinubu for re-election.
With these newest high-profile defections, the PDP faces an escalating inside disaster that threatens its viability forward of the 2027 basic elections, whereas the APC continues to consolidate its affect throughout key areas.
