Two prominent senators, Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East Senatorial District and Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North, have formally announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move signifies a notable shift in the political landscape, particularly for the PDP, which both senators criticized for internal strife and a perceived decline.

Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East, submitted his resignation from the PDP and formally joined the APC, citing “irreconcilable differences” within his former party. In a letter addressed to the Senate and publicly read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Wednesday plenary, Agadaga explained that his decision was a result of “deep reflection and wide consultations” with his constituents and political associates. He emphasized the dynamic nature of politics, stating that “change remains the only permanent thing in life.” Agadaga, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by the PDP, including the elevation of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, lamented the current state of the party. He described the PDP as being a “shadow of its former self,” plagued by division and internal wrangling, metaphorically stating, “The umbrella has been torn apart and is leaking profusely; the center can no longer hold.” His defection to the APC, effective October 29, 2025, is driven by a belief in the APC as “a progressive platform committed to national unity and development,” aligning with what he termed “progressivism.”

In a related development, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, also officially defected to the APC. Recall that Senator Jarigbe had previously visited Aso Rock Villa on October 22, 2025, to inform President Bola Tinubu of his decision, followed by a notification to the APC state chairman in Cross River, Alphonsus Eba, to affirm his commitment to strengthening the party in the northern senatorial district. Following his defection, PDP stakeholders within the Cross River North senatorial district have reportedly concluded plans to join the APC in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe.

Senator Jarigbe further engaged with top PDP figures from his zone in a strategic meeting held in Abuja. According to a statement by his media adviser, John Agom Agom, the discussions focused on aligning with the “progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Addressing the stakeholders, Senator Jarigbe affirmed that his move to the ruling party was aimed at supporting President Tinubu's efforts to reposition the country. He assured his constituents that his defection would not hinder his commitment to empowering them and undertaking people-oriented projects to alleviate suffering in the zone, promising continued consultations. Venatius Ikem, the Cross River state PDP chairman, acknowledged Senator Jarigbe's bold step and indicated that he would consult with state executive members for further action. Notable attendees at the Abuja meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, a member of the House of Representatives for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, and Austin Edibe, a former Secretary to the State Government, among others.