Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central of Bayelsa State, formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday. The significant political move was officially declared during a plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read a formal letter submitted by Senator Konbowei regarding his decision.

Senator Konbowei, a long-standing and founding member of the PDP since 1998, cited profound and persistent internal divisions, coupled with a protracted leadership crisis within the party, as the primary reasons for his departure. He stated that these issues have rendered the PDP incapable of functioning effectively as a viable political platform. His decision also aligns with that of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and several members of the State House of Assembly, who similarly announced their defection from the PDP on Wednesday.

In his letter, Senator Konbowei expressed his disappointment, stating, "Considering the unpleasant circumstances and the crisis-torn situation in the Peoples Democratic Party, I have resolved to join the governor of my state, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, in resigning my membership of the party." He further elaborated that extensive consultations with family members, political allies, and national stakeholders informed his decision to leave the PDP, a party he believes has deviated from its founding principles and lost its capability to secure even grassroots electoral victories. He explicitly conveyed his loss of hope in the party's ability to win councillorship elections in Nigeria.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late PDP founding fathers, Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar, Senator Konbowei lamented the current state of the party they helped establish. He remarked, "Oh Alex Ekwueme, oh Solomon Lar of blessed memory, the political party you both built, which held lofty promises for Nigerians, has fallen into the wrong hands… The PDP has become characterised by eternal power struggles, irreconcilable conflicts, and is, at the moment, in total disarray." With the 2027 general election on the horizon, Konbowei emphasized that no serious politician could afford to wait indefinitely for the PDP to resolve its internal conflicts.

Concluding his statement, Senator Konbowei declared, "Accordingly, it has left me with no option but to resign from that party you all built. So, I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and declare my total loyalty, support, and movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC)." In response, Senate President Akpabio extended a warm welcome to Senator Konbowei into the APC caucus within the Senate, expressing confidence that his experience and commitment would further bolster the ruling party's legislative agenda.