Allwell Onyesoh, senator representing Rivers south-east, and Mpigi Barinada, Rivers west lawmaker, have formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the defections during plenary on Tuesday after reading the lawmakers’ letters to the upper chamber.
In his letter, Mpigi stated that he had communicated his resignation to the PDP at ward and local government levels before joining the APC.
“Today, I formally join the All Progressives Congress,” Mpigi said.
“I thank my former party, the People’s Democratic Party, for affording me the first opportunity to enter the red chamber.”
Barinada explained that extensive consultations with his constituents informed his decision to defect, describing the move as being in their collective interest.
Following the announcements, Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, said the APC was constitutionally obliged to admit new members without discrimination.
“The ruling party that produced us is a party registered under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Bamidele said, adding that the APC had a responsibility to welcome those willing to join.
He said legislators were entitled to cross the floor if they believed the government was performing and had the support of their constituents.
“If a government is doing well in the estimation of stakeholders, it is allowed in a democracy for such legislators to cross carpet,” Bamidele said.
He dismissed claims that the defections were part of a plan to create a one-party state, insisting the lawmakers acted voluntarily.
“Nobody is joining our party under any form of coercion,” he said.
Akpabio urged the APC to learn from the internal challenges confronting the PDP, stressing that all members, including defectors, must be treated equally.
He also emphasised the need for the party to uphold internal democracy at all levels.
The defections were witnessed by Magnus Abe, former senator, members of the house of representatives, and officials of the APC national working committee.
The APC delegation was led by Bukar Dalori, deputy national chairman, and included Ajibola Basiru, national secretary; Victor Giadom, vice-chairman, south-south; Felix Morka, national publicity secretary; and Duro Meseko, his deputy.