Opposition lawmakers joining APC out of patriotism – Akpabio

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has attributed the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress to what he described as an expression of patriotism and confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Akpabio stated this on Wednesday night after leading Senator Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North, and Senator Kaila Samaila of Bauchi North, to a meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja.

Both lawmakers recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Akpabio said the decision of the lawmakers to join the ruling party was inspired by the president’s economic reforms and commitment to national development.

“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.

He added that although the senators were elected on different political platforms, the President’s transformative policies have motivated them to join the APC to contribute to nation-building.“But interestingly, they joined the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on different political platforms, but as a result of Mr President’s policies that have turned things around economically and particularly in terms of revenue generation for the nation, they found it expedient to come and join to build Nigeria.

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

Also speaking, Jarigbe said his defection was driven by his conviction that Tinubu is performing creditably.

The lawmaker added that he was teaming up with Tinubu and the APC, in a clear demonstration of his support for the President and his policies that are repositioning the country.

“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 said.