December 23, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its presence in the Senate following the defection of two senators from Rivers State elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defections were formally announced on the floor of the Red Chamber during plenary, in the presence of a high-powered delegation of APC leaders from both the national leadership and the Rivers State chapter of the party.
One of the defecting lawmakers, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in his constituency.
He stressed that while political parties serve as platforms for political participation, his primary responsibility remains to the people who elected him.
Senator Onyesoh explained that aligning with the party controlling the Federal Government would better position him to attract development projects, deepen federal presence, and advance human capital development in Rivers East.
Also announcing his defection, Senator Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East Senatorial District hinged his decision on constitutional provisions, citing irreconcilable divisions within the PDP.
He referenced Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that persistent crises at the national, state, local government, and ward levels of the party amount to a division that makes continued membership untenable.
While thanking the PDP for providing him the platform to serve in the Senate, Senator Mpigi said the party had failed to resolve its internal challenges, thereby limiting its effectiveness as a vehicle for legislative engagement and governance.
THEWILL reports that APC leaders welcomed the senators into the fold, describing the defections as a significant boost to the ruling party’s strength in the South-South region.
They noted that the development further consolidates the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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