The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains committed to driving national progress and development.
Bamidele gave the assurance on Wednesday during plenary at the Senate, following the defection of four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The defecting senators are Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi, both from Osun, along with Akon Eyakenyi and Aniekan Bassey, both from Akwa Ibom.
Their defection letters were individually read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Bamidele described the development as a reflection of increasing confidence in the APC and pledged that the party would continue to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.
“The APC administration will do everything possible to ensure that Nigerians have a better lease of life,” he said.
“We realise the implications of this (the defection to the APC) and the consequences of this development.
“And the party will continue to re-engineer its own philosophy and its activities and do everything possible to ensure that we take Nigeria to the next level.”
He added that the APC remains open to welcoming new members.
“The APC as a registered political party has left its doors open to all intending members and stakeholders in Nigeria who wish to join the party.”
Bamidele went on to congratulate Akpabio, the Governor of Akwa Ibom, and other stakeholders from the state on the recent defections.
“I also want to congratulate our party and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is the leader of the party, that Osun has also produced two senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, out of the three senators.”
“For us, this is not about numbers. It is about further reminding us that we have a very serious job to do.”
“And the fact that stakeholders within and outside of Nigeria remain committed to the ideals of the party,” he said.
In his official statement, Fadahunsi said he resigned from the PDP to align with the core values of the APC.
“I promise to bring my wealth of experience to bear and ensure the victory of the APC from top to bottom,” he said.
Fadeyi also explained the reasons behind his defection.
“My decision has not been taken lightly, but I feel compelled to do so due to the unresolved internal crises, various litigations and cases, and lack of leadership at the apex of the PDP.”
“These issues have led to widespread disaffection and mistrust among members, making it very challenging for the PDP.”
“It is challenging for me and for all of us to effectively serve our constituents.
“The people of my hometown, my senatorial district, and the nation at large cry out for dividends of democracy.
“Infrastructural development, quality education, accessible healthcare, and employment opportunities are priorities the APC is committed to.
“Priorities the now-fractured PDP has failed to deliver.”
“As a senator, I am committed to representing the interests of my people, but I can no longer do so under the current circumstances of violence, mistrust, and lack of leadership.”
In his remarks, Akpabio welcomed the newly defected senators into the APC.
(NAN)