Abuja, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday October 23rd described the recent wave of defections from opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as motivated by patriotism rather than opportunism. The remark came after Akpabio led two newly-defected senators, Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) and Kaila Samaila Dahuwa (Bauchi North), in a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Akpabio told journalists that, although the lawmakers were originally elected on other party platforms, they switched allegiance because they were convinced by President Tinubu’s economic reforms and vision for national development. “Their decision reflects a desire to build Nigeria, not simply to change seats,” Akpabio asserted. He emphasised that the move should be viewed as support for leadership that has shown results, rather than mere party-hopping.
Senator Jarigbe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said he joined the APC because the President’s policies had improved revenue generation and created more opportunities in his home state. Critics, however, point out that mass defections may undermine opposition accountability, weaken internal party democracy and skew electoral competition ahead of 2027. The Senate President responded that ensuring strong governance mattered more than party labels, and that those who defect would have to deliver on the promise of service to their constituents.
