The lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs Distinguished Senator (Chief) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, on Tuesday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep-seated internal crises, growing impunity, and the erosion of the party’s founding principles.
According to a statement issued by His Special Adviser on Publicity and Communications, Peter Oriri noted that the defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, during plenary at the National Assembly.
Explaining his decision, Senator Onyesoh said his defection was guided by his commitment to service and the welfare of his constituents. “We live to make life better for others. Our lives must impact others positively,” he said, adding that when such opportunities are obstructed, “the only other thing to do is to look for another way to continue to do what you believe is right.”
Using a vivid metaphor, the lawmaker likened his political journey to rivers navigating obstacles on their way to the ocean. “All rivers move deliberately to the Atlantic. When they meet 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.
Senator Onyesoh, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, expressed disappointment with the party’s current state, describing it as a shadow of its former self. “The PDP used to be a wonderful party with vision and strong values, but impunity gradually eroded everything our founding fathers built,” he said. He accused some leaders of routinely changing rules to suit personal ambitions, noting that “they disobey all internal party rules just to get tickets, and the party has been reduced to a mere vehicle for personal interest.”
He further dismissed claims of internal peace within the PDP, remarking that “the peace you see is the peace of the graveyard,” and warned that silence in the face of injustice breeds instability. “What society gains when good people refuse to speak out is anarchy,” he added.
Reaffirming his new political direction, Senator Onyesoh declared, “I have moved on so that I can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to my people,” pledging full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Following the announcement of his defection, the Senate received Senator Onyesoh with overwhelming warmth and applause. The chamber erupted in cheers as lawmakers across party lines congratulated him, expressing visible joy and confidence in his decision. Several senators described his move as timely, noting that his experience and legislative capacity would further strengthen the Senate and enrich deliberations in the Red Chamber.
Party leaders who formally received Senator Onyesoh into the APC at the National Assembly include Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North); Senator Surajudeen Ajibila Basiru, National Secretary; Chief Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman (South-South); Hon. Muaze 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; Hon. Durosinmi Meseko; Chief Anthony Okocha, APC Rivers State Chairman; and Chief Eric Nwibani, APC Rivers State Secretary.
The twin defections of Senators Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi representing Rivers South East further bolster the APC’s growing strength in the Senate and reflect ongoing political realignments aimed at enhancing effective governance in Rivers State, South and national development.
