The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has predicted further defections to the APC, noting that many politicians yet to join the ruling party were reassessing their political future.

He urged the people of Rivers State to support the ruling party in forthcoming elections, saying that sustained electoral backing is critical to consolidating development and entrenching the party in the South-South.

Basiru spoke at the commissioning of the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Rivers State, where he congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the APC on what he described as the governor’s entry into the party.

He said the South-South has become the first geopolitical zone with all APC governors, stressing that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in realising that objective.

While declaring that more people will soon join APC, he said, “Those standing aloof are checking their time. Very soon, party stalwarts and relevant political actors will join the APC. We assure everyone that the party will create an enabling political environment for all”.

Meanwhile, two senators from Rivers State—Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, on Tuesday formally defected to the APC.

The lawmakers cited irreconcilable internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the need to align with the Federal Government to better serve their constituents. Their defections were announced separately on the floor of the Senate during plenary, in the presence of a high-powered APC delegation from the national and state levels.

Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders in his constituency.

“Since the time I arrived to officially announce my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, this decision has come on the heels of wide consultations with the people of Rivers East Senatorial District, whose collective aspirations I represent,” he said.

Similarly, Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, hinged his defection on constitutional provisions, arguing that the PDP had become engulfed in unresolved crises.

“In accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

He maintained that persistent factional disputes within the PDP at the national, state, local government and ward levels had made continued membership untenable.

In a related development, six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have also defected from the PDP to the APC, following the recent exit of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and 15 lawmakers from the opposition party.

Those who defected are Dumnamene Dekor (Khana/Gokana), Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East), Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny), Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni), Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II) and Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai).

The wave of defections of political office holders from Rivers State is apparently strengthening the APC’s political foothold in Rivers State, one of the nation’s most strategic political and economic centres.

Further speaking in Rivers State, the APC National Secretary, said, “The only way to compensate our governor and our party is for the people of Rivers State to continue to vote for the APC in all elections. In the fullness of time, during the next general elections, the votes for our party, our governors and our President will be massive in Rivers State,” Basiru said.

The APC scribe described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised leader who approaches national issues with fairness, equity and a strong commitment to development.

“We have a President who has stripped himself of sentiments in addressing national issues. Even those who wish to join us are treated with equity and fairness. President Tinubu is focused on Nigeria’s development,” he added.

Basiru also welcomed Governor Fubara’s remarks on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, expressing optimism that the move would boost economic growth and stability in the region.

Basiru reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusiveness, tolerance and internal democracy, stressing that the APC remains focused on promoting unity and development nationwide.

“The APC is a party of progress and will continue to work for the advancement of Nigeria,” he said.