Senator Godswill Akpabio has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former governor made the announcement on Wednesday at a rally organised by the APC to welcome him into the ruling party in Ikot Ekpene area of Akwa Ibom State.
Before his defection, Senator Akpabio was the Senate Minority Leader and a strong member of the opposition party.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole; and the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu, were among the leaders who stormed Akwa Ibom for the event.
On Tuesday, Akpabio informed the Senate leadership and his PDP colleagues in the chamber that he was leaving the party for the APC.
He had said, “This letter is to inform you of my resignation as the Senate Minority Leader with effect from August 4, 2018.
“Let me that the Senate minority leadership, our distinguished colleagues, and our great party, the PDP for the opportunity to lead the caucus in the last three years.”
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, had hinted at Senator Akpabio’s defection via the social media.
Consequently, the former Senate Minority Leader visited President Muhammadu Buhari and APC leader, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday and Monday respectively.
His exit from the PDP is the latest in the wave of defection, although the APC lost more lawmakers to the opposition party.
Some of those who left the APC for PDP are Senate President Bukola Saraki, as well as the Senators from Kogi and Kano states, Dino Melaye and Rabiu Kwankwaso.