2027 realignment deepens as two Rivers senators dump PDP for APC

The political crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State worsened on Tuesday following the defection of two serving senators, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that underscores the shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both lawmakers announced their decisions separately during plenary in the Senate, blaming persistent internal rifts within the PDP and the need to work more closely with the Federal Government to advance development in their respective constituencies.

Senator Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his defection was the outcome of broad consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across the district. He maintained that his overriding responsibility was to the electorate and not to any political party.

“Political parties are vehicles for the expression of political interests. While I was elected on the platform of the PDP, current realities make it necessary to align with the centre in order to effectively deliver meaningful development to my people,” he said.

He assured constituents that his legislative priorities, particularly in the area of human capital development, would remain unchanged, adding that his commitment transcended party affiliations.

In his own remarks, Senator Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, cited constitutional backing for his decision, referencing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that prolonged and unresolved factional disputes had crippled the PDP at every level.

“The PDP is riddled with divisions at the national, state, local government and ward levels. This persistent crisis has eroded party cohesion in Rivers State and made continued membership impractical,” Mpigi said.

While thanking the PDP for providing him the platform to enter the National Assembly, Mpigi noted that the party had failed to create an atmosphere conducive for its elected representatives to function effectively.

The defection ceremony was witnessed by senior APC figures, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader, and the Rivers State APC Chairman, who hailed the move as a significant boost to the party’s fortunes in the South-South ahead of 2027.

The senators’ exit followed a wave of defections from the PDP in Rivers State earlier the same day, when six members of the House of Representatives crossed over to the APC. The lawmakers are Dumnamere Dekor (Khana/Gokana), Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual–Ahoada East), Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny), Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni), Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II) and Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai).

The growing exodus began earlier in the month with the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalyi Fubara, to the APC on December 5, 2025, followed a week later by the defection of 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

With the latest developments, the APC has further consolidated its strength in the Senate, while the PDP continues to grapple with internal disarray and a rapidly diminishing presence in the Red Chamber as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.