Two Ranking Senators Dump PDP, Set To Join APC

Two ranking Senators have dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and are reportedly set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Senators Mathew Urhogide, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, and Ayo Akinyelure dumped the party, 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.

Senator Urhogide represents Edo South Senatorial District in the red chamber while Senator Akinyelure represents Ondo Central Senatorial District.

The notice of their resignations was contained in two separate letters addressed to Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and read by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who presided over Wednesday’s plenary session.

Though Urhoghide and Akinyelure were silent on the party they will join henceforth, there are speculations that the two lawmakers may likely join the ruling APC in the coming days.

In the letter, Urhoghide said his resignation took immediate effect, while Akinyelure said his resignation will take effect from June 11, 2023, after the expiration of his third term in the Senate.

The Edo lawmaker said his decision to resign is because of the inability of the PDP to reconcile the power struggle in the party, adding that the differences would not allow him to grow politically if he continued to stay as a member of the party.

Urhoghide appreciated the leadership of the PDP for giving him the political platform to contest and win elections that had brought him to the Senate.

The letter reads in part: “I write to formally inform you and the entire people of Nigeria that I am resigning my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party, effective immediately.

“It will be difficult for someone like me to grow and function as a leader. I am grateful to the party for giving me the platform.”

In his letter, Akinyelure, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, noted that he wished the leaders of the PDP the best of luck in their future endeavours.