In a major political shift on Wednesday, three senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during plenary at the Senate chamber, National Assembly, Abuja.
The defection, which took place during a session presided over by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, involved Senator Akpan Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), and Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East). Their letters of defection were read aloud by the Senate President during the session.
“As a passionate ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I believe in the values of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its contributions to our dear country and constituents, particularly the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The renewed hope agenda, which emphasizes inclusivity and social welfare, has motivated my decision to join like-minded individuals committed to driving public change. I am confident that with my experience, I will deliver victory for the APC from top to bottom.”
Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi of Osun Central attributed his defection to the lingering internal crisis within the PDP, citing unresolved litigations and a breakdown of leadership as key reasons.
“The reason for my defection is due to the various litigations and lack of leadership in the Peoples Democratic Party, which have led to disunity and disputes among members.
“My constituents are yearning for the dividends of democracy something the PDP has failed to deliver. I cannot continue in a climate of violence, distrust, and unresolved crises. Therefore, I am joining the APC to support President Tinubu and serve my people better.”
Present in the Senate chamber to witness the defections were the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the Osun State APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; and several APC members of the House of Representatives from Osun State.
The defections leave Senator Kamorudeen Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West), who is also the Deputy Minority Leader, as the sole PDP Senator from Osun State.
