Akpabio Hails Defections To APC As Sign Of Patriotism, Confidence In Tinubu’s Leadership

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a reflection of growing patriotism and renewed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Akpabio stated this on Wednesday night after leading two newly defected senators Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North and Kaila Samaila of Bauchi North to a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The two lawmakers, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, said their decision was influenced by Tinubu’s economic reforms and his administration’s focus on national development.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Akpabio said the defections were not about politics, but about aligning with a vision that prioritizes Nigeria’s progress.

“They (Jarigbe and Samaila) are Mr President’s children, and they are his supporters. The president is the father of the nation and the father of all political parties,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President added that the lawmakers’ move was inspired by the President’s “transformative policies,” which, he said, have begun to turn around the nation’s economy and improve revenue generation.

“Theirs is nothing but patriotism,” Akpabio asserted. “They are not interested in which political party is in power, but in who can run Nigeria, who can improve Nigeria, and who can put food on the tables of Nigerians.”

Senator Jarigbe, in his remarks, said his decision to join the ruling party was based on conviction rather than convenience.

“I joined the APC because the president is really doing well, and I want to come in and support him in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he stated.

The latest defections add to a string of recent crossovers from opposition parties to the APC — a trend political observers say could reshape the dynamics of the Senate and signal growing momentum for the ruling party ahead of future elections.

Would you like me to make this sound more like a front-page lead (with sharper phrasing and stronger punch, like in The Nation or Daily Trust)?