Plateau North Senator, Pam Dachungyang has defected from the Action Democratic Party (ADP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Dachungyang, the only senator elected on the platform of the ADP in the 10th Senate, announced his defection in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday.
In the letter, the lawmaker attributed his decision to internal disputes within his former party, which he said had hindered his ability to provide effective representation to his constituents.
“My defection is also necessitated by irreconcilable differences and persistent internal wrangling within the Action Democratic Party, which altogether have hindered my ability to effectively contribute to the party’s ideals and to deliver quality representation to my constituents,” he said.
Mr Dachungyang also said the decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and other stakeholders.
“This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates, and my stakeholders, and is informed by the need to align with a political platform that best reflects my commitment to good governance, inclusive development, and the overall interest of the good people of my state. district that i represent.”
He expressed confidence that the APC would offer a more stable and progressive platform for him to continue serving his constituents.
“I am confident that the All Progressives Congress provides a more stable, a more progressive platform through which I can continue to serve my constituency and the nation with renewed focus and dedication.”
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After the letter was read, the senate president directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside other APC senators, to formally welcome Mr Dachungyang to the ruling party.
The lawmaker thereafter exchanged pleasantries with APC members and was escorted to his new seat in the majority section of the chamber.
With the latest defection, the APC’s strength in the Senate has increased to 79 seats, further consolidating its dominance, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties continue to lose members.
