APC Gains As Senator Onyesoh Defects From PDP

The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises and what he described as the systematic erosion of democratic values within his former party.

The defection, announced on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, was met with resounding applause from senators across party lines. Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio read Senator Onyesoh’s defection letter to the chamber, marking a significant political realignment in Rivers State.

Senator Onyesoh, who chairs the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, in a statement signed by his Adviser on Publicity and Communications, Peter Oriri, explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to continue serving his constituents effectively. “We live to make life better for others. Our lives must impact others positively,” he told the Senate. “When such opportunities are obstructed, the only other thing to do is to look for another way to continue to do what you believe is right.”

“All rivers move deliberately to the Atlantic. When they meet obstacles, they go around them and continue their journey. I am deliberate about why I am here to bring the good things of democracy to my people.”

In his address, Senator Onyesoh expressed disappointment with the current state of the PDP, contrasting it sharply with the party’s earlier reputation. “The PDP used to be a wonderful party with vision and strong values, but impunity gradually eroded everything our founding fathers built,” he said.

He accused some party leaders of routinely changing internal rules to suit personal ambitions. “They disobey all internal party rules just to get tickets, and the party has been reduced to a mere vehicle for personal interest,” the senator stated.

He pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing his defection as a strategic move to ensure continued delivery of democratic dividends to his constituents. “I have moved on so that I can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to my people,” he declared.

The defection was warmly received by the Senate, with lawmakers expressing confidence that Senator Onyesoh’s legislative experience would strengthen the chamber’s work. Several senators described the move as timely and significant for the political landscape in Rivers State.

The senator was formally received into the APC at the National Assembly by a delegation of party leaders, including Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibila Basiru, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, among others.