The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Tuesday after two senators from Rivers State, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

On the floor of the House of Representatives, Six lawmakers from Rivers State also defected to the ruling APC.

The defected lawmakers include Robinson Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke.

The senators cited irreconcilable internal divisions within the PDP and the need to align with the Federal Government to effectively serve their constituents.

The defections were announced separately on the floor of the Senate during plenary, where the lawmakers crossed over from the opposition to the governing party in the presence of a high-powered APC delegation drawn from the national and state levels.

Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders in his constituency.

“Since the hour I arrived to officially announce my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, this decision is coming on the heels of several consultations with Rivers East Senatorial District people, whose collective aspirations I represent,” he said.

He stressed that his primary allegiance was to his constituents rather than to any political platform.

“Political parties are channels for the exploration of political interests. It was on this basis that I got elected on the platform of the PDP.

“However, recent events have revealed the importance of aligning with the centre and the political will to transform the fortunes of my people with structures that can facilitate good governance,” the senator added.

Onyesoh further assured that his developmental agenda for the district would remain intact, irrespective of party affiliation.

According to him, his commitment to the development of Rivers East, particularly in the area of human capital, “remains unwavering, through seasons, through times, and even through parties.”

Similarly, Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, hinged his defection on constitutional provisions, arguing that the PDP had become engulfed in unresolved crises at all levels.

“In accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

He maintained that persistent factional disputes within the PDP had made continued membership impossible.

“The PDP has unresolved issues and divisions at the national, state, local government and even ward levels, resulting in a breakdown of effective party authority in Rivers State and particularly in my senatorial district,” he stated.

“These circumstances clearly constitute a division within the meaning of the Constitution, rendering continued membership untenable and impractical.”

While thanking the PDP for providing him the platform to enter the National Assembly, Mpigi said the party had failed to create a stable environment for its elected officials.

“I respectfully request my colleagues to understand. I thank my former party for allowing me to enter the Red Chamber, but they are aware that they have not been able to resolve issues that can make a legislator comfortable running under their banner,” he said.

Leaders of the APC, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader and the Rivers State APC chairman, were present to formally receive the defectors, describing their decision as a significant boost to the party’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reading the letters of defection to the APC at the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, cited “divisions and unresolved political crisis in the PDP.”

While acknowledging that the crisis in the PDP had made it impossible for them to pursue their political aspirations, the lawmakers pledged to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

With their defection, the PDP, which previously had 12 members, now has only two representatives in the Rivers State caucus of the House.

The two remaining PDP lawmakers in Rivers State are the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and Kelechi Nwogu.