The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) further escalated on Tuesday as two senators from Rivers State, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers announced their defections separately during plenary sessions of the Senate, formally crossing from the opposition PDP to the APC.
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Their decisions were witnessed by a high-powered delegation of APC leaders from both the national and state levels. Both senators attributed their defection to deepening internal divisions within the PDP, which they described as irreconcilable, as well as the need to align with the Federal Government to better attract development and effectively represent their constituents.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Onyesoh, who represents the Rivers East Senatorial District, said his move followed extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across his constituency. He explained that the decision reflected the collective interests and aspirations of the people he represents.
Onyesoh emphasised that his loyalty was primarily to his constituents rather than to any political party, noting that political parties serve as platforms for advancing political and developmental goals. He recalled that he was elected on the platform of the PDP but said recent developments had highlighted the importance of aligning with the centre to improve the fortunes of his people.
According to him, joining the ruling party would provide the political structure and support necessary to facilitate good governance and accelerate development in his constituency.
The defections represent another setback for the PDP in Rivers State, as the opposition party continues to battle internal divisions and the loss of key political figures.
