₦airaland Forum

The lawmaker representing Niger South, Senator Peter Jiya, on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing deepening internal disputes within his former party.

The defection, which adds to the growing wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, was formally conveyed in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter, Jiya stated that he had resigned his membership of the PDP with effect from March 10.

“I wish to notify you and the Senate that I have resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party effective today,” the letter read.

Explaining the reason for his decision, the lawmaker pointed to unresolved internal conflicts within the party.

“This action is premised on quarrels and irreconcilable divisions within the party,” he said.

Jiya further announced his decision to continue his political career under the APC.

He also expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve.

“Also, kindly take further notice that effective today I have decided to join and be associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to continue my political career.

“Permit me, Mr President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my profound gratitude to the PDP for availing me the opportunity to serve the nation and humanity.

“I am grateful and wish the party well in the future if it can resolve its challenges,” he added.

Jiya’s defection underscores persistent factional tensions within the PDP, which have triggered a series of high-profile exits in recent months, while bolstering the APC’s numerical strength in the Senate.

The development comes barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission formally recognised a faction of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The move was confirmed as INEC updated the PDP’s leadership structure on its official website, listing members of the party’s national executive.

Among those recognised by INEC are Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other key officials.

Both Mohammed and Anyanwu emerged from the PDP National Convention held on Sunday night at the velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja, where members of the NWC were re-elected by consensus following the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker Committee.

rhythyson:
Please i just want ask, where Natasha dey now, e bi like say she is the only PDP senator now oooo.

when is she leaving the PDP?

Transfer market go soon close ooo

Okoroawusa:
He has only one vote while Peter Obi and Kwankwaso have 120 million votes combined

Ekaka14:
Peter yi ma jiya gann...lai pe

Flangelo12:
They say the North is cooking for Tinubu.

Must be a regal buffet.

LegendHero:
Jagaban don start again lol

The greatest politician of this decade. He knows the science of politics.

All them NNPP reps member don decamp to APC today too. They no gree follow Kwakwanso

Gadaffi9ja:
Not to be sarcastic, but that guy can't give APC 1000 votes. He just want to summarize his shortcomings.

Vixlot:
https://punchng.com/just-in-niger-senator-defects-from-pdp-to-apc/

Okoroawusa:
He has only one vote while Peter Obi and Kwankwaso have 120 million votes combined

Akpakomiza2:
Lol, for him to win the senate shows he is strong. How many votes can ADC defectors give ADC

Akpakomiza2:
Lol, for him to win the senate shows he is strong. How many votes can ADC defectors give ADC

Gadaffi9ja:
This is not about his defection or party, he has nothing to show for the pity votes he got last time.

zicoraads:
He is a massive failure. He would have lost the election even if he had remained. In fact, decamping now is a negative to the APC.