In what appears to be a fresh blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), two senators and three members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday formally announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senators Sampson Ekong, representing Akwa Ibom South, and Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, both tendered letters of defection on the floor of the Senate during plenary, which were read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Bassey explained that his defection was “deeply considered” and driven by “prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption.”
He added that his move was necessary to “provide effective representation” and continue serving the people of Akwa Ibom Northeast.
Ekong also cited extensive consultations and the recent defection of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the APC as reasons for his departure from the PDP. “Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances,” he said. “The current division in the People’s Democratic Party leaves me with no other option than to seek an alternative platform.”
Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) also formally announced their resignation from the PDP, completing a quartet of senatorial exits from the party on the same day. Akpabio read their letters at plenary.
Fadahunsi said his political journey had led him to align with “like-minded individuals” committed to driving change. “I promise to bring my wealth of experience to bear at ensuring the victory of the APC from top to bottom,” he stated.
Fadeyi, for his part, blamed the PDP’s “failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians,” citing growing frustration over lack of infrastructural development, job creation, and basic services in his senatorial district. “The numerous court cases involving party members have tarnished the party’s image, disrupted its core mission, and fractured the umbrella,” he said, referring to the PDP’s logo.
Meanwhile, over in the House of Representatives, three PDP lawmakers—Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/East/North/South, Osun), Omirin Olusanya (Atakunmosa East/West and Ilesha East/West, Osun), and Marcus Onobun (Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben, Edo)—also defected to the APC.
Their defection letters were read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Wednesday’s plenary. No reasons were stated on the floor, but party insiders cited mounting internal divisions and dissatisfaction with PDP’s internal leadership structures.
The defections come amid ongoing speculation that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke may also be considering leaving the PDP, following recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by the Osun PDP caucus for the 2027 presidential election—an action that raised eyebrows within the party.
Earlier this week, the Osun APC claimed that Governor Adeleke was denied entry into the ruling party on grounds that he was “a liability.” The statement came shortly after the PDP caucus urged Adeleke to remain in the party despite endorsing Tinubu for re-election.
With these latest high-profile defections, the PDP faces an escalating internal crisis that threatens its viability ahead of the 2027 general elections, while the APC continues to consolidate its influence across key regions.