Two Rivers Senators Dump PDP for APC
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened on Tuesday as two Rivers State senators, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep internal divisions and the need to align with the Federal Government to better serve their constituents.
The defections were announced separately during plenary at the Senate, where both lawmakers formally crossed from the opposition to the governing party in the presence of a high-powered APC delegation from the national and state levels.
Senator Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders in his constituency.
“Since the hour I arrived to officially announce my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, this decision is coming on the heels of several consultations with Rivers East Senatorial District people, whose collective aspirations I represent,” he said.
He stressed that his loyalty was first and foremost to his constituents and not to any political platform.
“Political parties are channels for the exploration of political interests. It was on this basis that I got elected on the platform of the PDP.
“However, recent events have revealed the importance of aligning with the centre and the political will to transform the fortunes of my people with structures that can facilitate good governance,” he added.
Onyesoh assured that his development plans for Rivers East would remain unchanged despite the switch in party affiliation.
According to him, his commitment to the district, particularly in the area of human capital development, “remains unwavering, through seasons, through times, and even through parties.”
Similarly, Senator Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, anchored his defection on constitutional grounds, saying the PDP had become overwhelmed by unresolved crises.
“In accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” he said.
Mpigi argued that persistent factional disputes within the PDP had made it impossible for him to remain in the party.
“The PDP has unresolved issues and divisions at the national, state, local government and even ward levels, resulting in a breakdown of effective party authority in Rivers State and particularly in my senatorial district,” he stated.
“These circumstances clearly constitute a division within the meaning of the Constitution, rendering continued membership untenable and impractical.”
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for giving him the platform to become a senator, Mpigi said the party had failed to provide a stable environment for its elected officials.
“I respectfully request my colleagues to understand. I thank my former party for allowing me to enter the Red Chamber, but they are aware that they have not been able to resolve issues that can make a legislator comfortable running under their banner,” he said.
Senior APC leaders, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader and the Rivers State APC chairman, were present to formally receive the defectors.
They described the defections as a major boost to the APC’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the latest development, the APC has further strengthened its numerical presence in the Senate, while the PDP continues to battle internal divisions and a declining representation in the Red Chamber.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
