Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the recent wave of defections by opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects their patriotism and trust in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Akpabio made this statement on Wednesday night after leading two newly defected senators — Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) and Kaila Samaila (Bauchi North) — to a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
The senators recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Akpabio explained that the lawmakers’ decisions were driven by the President’s economic reforms and his administration’s focus on national development.
“They (Jarigbe and Samaila) are Mr President’s children and supporters. The president is the father of the nation and of all political parties,” Akpabio said.
He added that although the lawmakers were elected on different political platforms, Tinubu’s policies have inspired them to join forces with the APC to contribute to rebuilding the country.
“They joined the Senate on different political platforms, but because of Mr President’s policies that are transforming the economy, especially in revenue generation, they found it necessary to join the APC to build Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
“Theirs is nothing but patriotism. They are not interested in party politics but in leadership that can improve Nigeria and put food on people’s tables.”
Speaking on his defection, Senator Jarigbe said he joined the APC out of conviction that President Tinubu is delivering on his promises to Nigerians.
“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.
