The Senator representing Bayelsa Central in the 10th National Assembly under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Sen. Benson Friday Konbowei has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Thursday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Konbowei’s letter of defection before the close of plenary.
Konbowei, a PDP founding member since 1998, attributed his defection to the party’s prolonged internal divisions and leadership crisis, which he said have crippled its functionality.
He aligned his move with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and several State House of Assembly members, who left the PDP on Wednesday.
“The PDP is plagued by irreconcilable conflicts and total disarray,” Konbowei stated in his letter, lamenting the party’s deviation from the vision of its late founders, Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar.
He added that the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal struggles or win grassroots elections, with the 2027 general election looming, left him no choice but to resign.
Konbowei said his decision followed extensive consultations with family, political allies, and national stakeholders.
“No serious politician would wait endlessly for the PDP to resolve its wrangling,” he noted, declaring his “total loyalty” to the APC.
Senate President Akpabio welcomed Konbowei to the APC Senate caucus, expressing optimism that his experience would bolster the party’s legislative agenda.
“Your decision is a bold one, and we believe you will add value to our work in the Senate,” Akpabio said.
The defection marks a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political landscape, following Governor Diri’s move, as the APC strengthens its presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
