Four more senators of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their letters of defection were read separately on the floor of the chamber by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary.
The senators are, Francis Fadahunsi (Osun), Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun), Akon Samson (Akwa-Ibom) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa-Ibom).
Senator Fadahunsi, a ranking lawmaker from Osun-East, explained his decision in his letter, stating:
“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.”
The National Secretary of the APC, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, Chris Ngige and some APC members in the House of Representatives were allowed into the chamber to witness the proceedings.
With the defection of the four senators from Osun and Akwa-Ibom, the number of APC senators is now 70 while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has 28.
The senators of the Labour Party (LP); five, Social Democratic Party (SDP); two, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); one, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); one while two seats are still vacant.
The defections leave Senator Kamorudeen Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West), who is also the Deputy Minority Leader, as the sole PDP Senator from Osun State.
However, the APC Senators erupted in jubilation, exchanging pleasantries with the new members and taking photographs with Senate President Akpabio.
