Senators Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi defect from PDP to APC, citing internal divisions and alignment with federal government policies
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced renewed turbulence on Tuesday after two senators from Rivers State, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The defections were announced on the floor of the Senate during separate plenary sessions, in the presence of a high-powered APC delegation drawn from national and state leadership.
Onyesoh, representing Rivers East Senatorial District, explained that 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 comes on the heels of several consultations with Rivers East Senatorial District people, whose collective aspirations I represent,” he said.
The senator emphasised that his primary loyalty lies with his constituents rather than 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,” Onyesoh added.
He assured that his developmental agenda for Rivers East, particularly in human capital, “remains unwavering, through seasons, through times, and even through parties.”
Similarly, Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, cited constitutional provisions in announcing his defection, arguing that persistent factional disputes within the PDP had rendered continued membership untenable.
“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,” Mpigi said.
He maintained that unresolved crises within the PDP at national, state, local government, and ward levels had undermined effective party authority in Rivers State.
“These circumstances clearly constitute a division within the meaning of the Constitution, rendering continued membership untenable and impractical,” he added.
While thanking the PDP for providing the platform to enter the National Assembly, Mpigi criticised the party for failing to create a stable environment for legislators.
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, formally received the defectors.
They described the move as a significant boost to APC influence in the South-South geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Sule Lamido warns PDP crisis may force exit
With the defections of Onyesoh and Mpigi, the APC strengthens its numerical presence in the Senate, while the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions and a shrinking footprint in the Red Chamber.
