Lawmakers Defecting To APC Are Patriots, Not Opportunists — Akpabio

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has described the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as an act of patriotism and a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday night after leading two lawmakers, Senator Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) and Senator Kaila Samaila Dahuwa (Bauchi North), to a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Both senators recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Akpabio said the lawmakers’ decision reflected growing support for the President’s economic reforms and his commitment to national development.

“They (Jarigbe and Dahuwa) are Mr. President’s children, and they are his supporters. The President is the father of the nation and the father of all political parties,” Akpabio said.

He added that although the lawmakers were originally elected on different political platforms, the President’s “transformative policies” had inspired them to align with the ruling party.

“But interestingly, they joined the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on different political platforms. As a result of Mr President’s policies that have turned things around economically, particularly in terms of revenue generation they found it expedient to come and join to build Nigeria,” Akpabio explained.

“Theirs is nothing but patriotism. They are not interested in which political party is in power, but in who can run Nigeria, who can improve Nigeria, and who can put food on the tables of Nigerians,” he added.

Also speaking, Senator Jarigbe said his defection was driven by conviction rather than politics, noting that President Tinubu’s performance and policies motivated his decision.

“I joined the APC because the President is really doing well, and I want to come in and support him in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Jarigbe said.