The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Tuesday after two senators from Rivers State—Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi—formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The senators cited irreconcilable internal divisions within the PDP and the need to align with the Federal Government to effectively serve their constituents. Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders in his constituency. “The PDP has unresolved issues and divisions at the national, state, local government and even ward levels, resulting in a breakdown of effective party authority in Rivers State and particularly in my senatorial district,” he stated. Leaders of the APC, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader and the Rivers State APC chairman, were present to formally receive the defectors, describing their decision as a significant boost to the party’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Source: Punch December 23, 2025 14:34 UTC