On Thursday, Senator Benson Konbowei, who represents Bayelsa Central in Bayelsa State, officially switched his political allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced this defection during plenary, presenting a formal letter submitted by Senator Konbowei to the Senate.
Having been a founding member of the PDP since its inception in 1998, Senator Konbowei cited persistent internal conflicts and an ongoing leadership impasse within the party as the primary reasons for his departure. He described the party as no longer functioning effectively as a credible political entity.
He further explained that his decision aligns with the stance of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who recently also defected to the APC.
Reports indicate that Governor Diri, along with several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced their exit from the PDP just a day earlier.
In his resignation letter, Senator Konbowei stated, “Given the turbulent and fractured state of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have chosen to join His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the governor of my state, in leaving the party.”
He emphasized that his choice was made after extensive discussions with family, political allies, and national figures, concluding that the PDP has lost its original vision and is no longer capable of securing victories even at the grassroots level.
“I no longer believe the party can effectively contest and win local government elections across Nigeria,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the contributions of the late PDP founders such as Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar, Senator Konbowei expressed deep regret over the current state of the party they once nurtured.
“Oh Alex Ekwueme, oh Solomon Lar, the party you both established with high hopes for Nigeria has unfortunately fallen into disarray. The PDP is now plagued by endless power struggles and irreconcilable disputes,” he lamented.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Konbowei stressed that no committed politician can afford to wait indefinitely for the PDP to resolve its internal crises.
“Therefore, I have no alternative but to resign from the party you all built. I hereby formally withdraw my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party and pledge my full allegiance and support to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he declared.
In welcoming the senator, Senate President Akpabio expressed optimism that Konbowei’s inclusion would bolster the APC’s legislative efforts.
“We are pleased to have Senator Benson Konbowei join the APC family. Your courageous decision and wealth of experience will undoubtedly enhance the work we are undertaking in the Senate,” Akpabio affirmed.
