4 PDP senators, three reps dump social gathering for APC

In what seems to be a contemporary blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 4 senators and three members of the Home 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 have been learn by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Bassey defined that his defection was “deeply thought-about” and pushed by “prevailing political developments each in my constituency and inside the social gathering construction, which has been fractured past redemption.”

He added that his transfer was essential to “present efficient illustration” and proceed serving the folks of Akwa Ibom Northeast.

Ekong additionally cited in depth consultations and the current defection of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the APC as causes for his departure from the PDP. “Politics is a recreation of curiosity, and if I’ll add, circumstances,” he stated. “The present division within the Individuals’s Democratic Party leaves me with no different choice than to hunt another 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 social gathering on the identical day. Akpabio learn their letters at plenary.

Fadahunsi stated his political journey had led him to align with “like-minded people” dedicated to driving change. “I promise to carry my wealth of expertise to bear at guaranteeing the victory of the APC from prime to backside,” he said.

Fadeyi, for his half, blamed the PDP’s “failure to satisfy the expectations of Nigerians,” citing rising frustration over lack of infrastructural improvement, job creation, and fundamental companies in his senatorial district. “The quite a few court docket instances involving social gathering members have tarnished the social gathering’s picture, disrupted its core mission, and fractured the umbrella,” he stated, referring to the PDP’s emblem.

In the meantime, over within the Home 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 have been learn by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas throughout Wednesday’s plenary. No causes have been said on the ground, however social gathering 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 may additionally be contemplating leaving the PDP, following current endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by the Osun PDP caucus for the 2027 presidential election—an motion that raised eyebrows inside the social gathering.

Earlier this week, the Osun APC claimed that Governor Adeleke was denied entry into the ruling social gathering on grounds that he was “a legal responsibility.” The assertion got here shortly after the PDP caucus urged Adeleke to stay within the social gathering 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.