Israel Oluyemi
APC has gained three senators in a major defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The senators are Amos Yohanna and Abass Iya from Adamawa State, and Ikra Bilbis from Zamfara State.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read letters from the lawmakers during the plenary session announcing their moves.
Yohanna said ongoing divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP hindered the party’s ability to function effectively.
He wrote: “The persistent crisis has created a structural fracture within the party, affecting its national leadership and operational stability.”
”I hereby formally notify the Senate of my decision and my formal defection to the APC.”
Iya cited factionalism and court battles as reasons for switching.
He stated: “The deepening of internal factions and the ongoing leadership tussles, which resulted in multiple court cases, have created uncertainty regarding the party’s stability and the possible prospect of the party in the forthcoming election.
”This informed my decision to withdraw my membership of the party and to defect to the APC.”
Bilbis said he consulted extensively with political associates and stakeholders before leaving the PDP.
He told the Senate: “My primary allegiance remains to the good people of my senatorial district.
“I represent their collective aspiration for effective governance, and that is what is guiding this move.”
”My decision is predicated on prolonged internal crisis in my former party, the PDP, and the need for alignment with the centre and to continue to support the national agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
The senators requested that the Clerk of the Senate update official records to reflect their APC membership.
Akpabio praised the administration’s reforms, noting that policies like subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation were boosting government revenue.
He added, “State governments are meeting their obligations because they are getting their funds in line with the constitution, and the sub-nationals are doing well.”
”APC is putting Nigeria on a trajectory of growth, total reformation and rebirth.”