The senator representing Niger South Senatorial District, Peter Jiya, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was announced during plenary on Tuesday after the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from the lawmaker informing the upper chamber of his decision.
In the letter, Jiya stated that he resigned his membership of the PDP with effect from March 10, citing unresolved internal crises within the party as the reason for his decision.
“I wish to notify you and the Senate that I have resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party effective today.
“This action is premised on quarrels and irreconcilable divisions within the party,” the letter read.
The senator explained that he decided to join the APC in order to continue his political career.
“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,” he stated.
Jiya also expressed appreciation to the PDP for providing him with the platform to serve the country.
He added, “Permit me, Mr President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my profound gratitude to the then PDP for availing me the opportunity to serve the nation and humanity.
“I am grateful and wish the party well in the future if they are able to solve their problems.”
Following the defection, the composition of the Senate now stands as follows: APC — 86; African Democratic Congress (ADC) — 9; PDP — 7; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — 1; National Democratic Coalition (NDC) — 1; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — 1; and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — 1.
Three Senate seats remain vacant following the deaths of Barinada Mpigi, Godiya Akwashiki, and Okey Ezea.
