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The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Distinguished Senator (Chief) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises, impunity and the erosion of the party’s founding values.
Senator Onyesoh’s defection was announced on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, following the reading of his defection letter by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.
Explaining his decision, the lawmaker said his move was driven by a commitment to effective service delivery and the welfare of his constituents, noting that political platforms should serve as vehicles for development rather than personal ambition.
“We live to make life better for others. Our lives must impact others positively. When opportunities to do that are obstructed, the only option is to find another way to continue doing what you believe is right,” he said.
Drawing a metaphor from nature, Senator Onyesoh likened his political journey to rivers navigating obstacles in their course to the ocean.
“All rivers move deliberately to the Atlantic. When they encounter 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,” he stated.
The senator, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, expressed deep disappointment with the party’s current state, describing it as a shadow of its former self.
“The PDP was once a party with vision and strong values, but impunity gradually eroded everything our founding fathers built. Rules are frequently bent to suit personal ambitions, and the party has been reduced to a vehicle for individual interests,” he said.
He dismissed claims of internal harmony within the opposition party, warning that enforced silence in the face of injustice only deepens instability.
“What you see is the peace of the graveyard. When good people refuse to speak out, what society gains is anarchy,” he added.
Reaffirming his new political direction, Senator Onyesoh pledged his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying the move would enable him to continue delivering democratic dividends to his constituents.
Following the announcement, the Senate chamber erupted in applause as lawmakers across party lines congratulated the senator, describing his defection as timely and significant. Several senators noted that his experience and legislative capacity would further enrich deliberations in the Red Chamber.
Senior APC leaders who formally received Senator Onyesoh at the National Assembly included Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North); Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary; Chief Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman (South-South); Hon. Mu’azu Banna Rijac, National Vice Chairman (North Central); Barr. Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary; Alhaja Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader; Dr. Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader; Chief Anthony Okocha, Rivers State Chairman; and Chief Eric Nwibani, Rivers State Secretary, among others.
The defection of Senator Onyesoh, alongside that of Senator Barinada Mpigi representing Rivers South-East, further strengthens the APC’s numerical and political standing in the Senate, underscoring ongoing realignments with implications for governance in Rivers State and at the national level.
