Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as an expression of patriotism and confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday night after leading Senators Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) and Kaila Samaila (Bauchi North) to a meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja. Both lawmakers recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Akpabio said the lawmakers’ decision to join the ruling party was inspired by the President’s economic reforms and his administration’s commitment to national development.
“They are Mr. President’s children and supporters. The President is the father of the nation and the father of all political parties,” Akpabio said.
He added that although the senators were elected on different political platforms, Tinubu’s policies on economic recovery and revenue generation motivated them to align with his vision for nation-building.
“Theirs is nothing but patriotism. They are not interested in party politics but in who can improve Nigeria and put food on the tables of Nigerians,” he stated.
Senator Jarigbe also told reporters that his defection was based on conviction, noting that the President’s performance so far convinced him to join the APC.
“I joined the APC because the President is doing well, and I want to support him in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Jarigbe said.
