The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has declared that a fresh wave of defections to the ruling party is imminent. He made this prediction while calling on the electorate in Rivers State to throw their weight behind the APC in future polls to cement the party's dominance in the strategic South-South region.
Basiru's Confidence and Call to Rivers Voters
Speaking at the commissioning of the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Rivers State on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Basiru pointed to the recent entry of Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the APC as a pivotal moment. He congratulated both the governor and the party, noting that this move has made the South-South the first geopolitical zone in Nigeria with all its governors belonging to the APC.
Basiru emphasized the critical importance of Rivers State in achieving this political milestone. He urged the people to reward the party and the governor through sustained electoral support. “The only way to compensate our governor and our party is for the people of Rivers State to continue to vote for the APC in all elections,” Basiru stated. He projected that votes for the APC, its governors, and President Bola Tinubu would be “massive” in the state during the next general elections.
He assured potential defectors that the APC, under President Tinubu's leadership, would provide an enabling and fair political environment. “Those standing aloof are checking their time. Very soon, party stalwarts and relevant political actors will join the APC,” he confidently predicted.
Senators and Lawmakers Formalise Their Exit from PDP
Basiru's prediction came on the same day that two senators from Rivers State officially defected to the APC, substantiating the ongoing political realignment. The senators, Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East) and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), announced their defections separately on the floor of the Senate.
Senator Onyesoh explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with leaders and stakeholders in his constituency. Senator Mpigi cited Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution and the irreconcilable internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels as his reason for leaving.
This movement was not limited to the Senate. In a related development, six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also switched allegiance from the PDP to the APC. They are:
- Dumnamene Dekor (Khana/Gokana)
- Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East)
- Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny)
- Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni)
- Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II)
- Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai)
These defections follow the earlier exit of Governor Fubara and 15 other lawmakers, significantly bolstering the APC's foothold in Nigeria's crucial economic hub.
Tinubu's Leadership and Vision for Development
Senator Basiru used the occasion to praise President Bola Tinubu's leadership style, describing him as a detribalised leader who approaches national issues with fairness, equity, and a single-minded focus on development. “We have a President who has stripped himself of sentiments in addressing national issues. Even those who wish to join us are treated with equity and fairness,” he said.
He also reiterated the President's commitment to inclusiveness, tolerance, and internal democracy within the APC, stressing that the party remains dedicated to promoting unity and development across Nigeria. Basiru welcomed Governor Fubara's comments on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, expressing optimism that the move would spur economic growth and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Basiru affirmed that the APC is a party of progress and will continue to work tirelessly for the nation's advancement, with Rivers State positioned as a key battleground for its expanding influence.
