Two Rivers State Senators Loyal To Wike Dump PDP, Defect To APC

 Two senators from Rivers State elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening internal crises within the opposition party and the need to align with the federal government to better serve their constituents.

The defections were formally announced on the floor of the Senate during plenary, amid the presence of a high-powered APC delegation from the national and state levels.

Alwell Onyesoh, one of the senators representing Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed “several consultations” with leaders and stakeholders across the district.

“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 remained with his constituents, not with any political party.

“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,” the senator added.

According to him, his commitment to the development of Rivers East, particularly in the area of human capital, “remains unwavering, through seasons, through times, and even through parties.”

Also, Barinada Mpigi, the second senator, from Rivers South-East Senatorial District, anchored his defection on constitutional grounds, citing irreconcilable divisions within the PDP.

“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.

He argued that the PDP was riddled with unresolved crises at all levels.

“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.”

The lawmaker thanked the PDP for giving him the platform to enter the Senate but said the party had been unable to resolve its internal challenges.

“I respectfully request my colleagues to understand. I thank my former party for affording me the opportunity to enter the Red Chambers, 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.

Leaders of the APC, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader, and Rivers State APC chairman, were present to receive the defectors, describing the move as a boost to the party’s growing influence in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the latest defections, the APC further strengthens its numbers in the Senate, while the PDP continues to grapple with internal schisms and a shrinking presence in the Red Chamber.