Enugu Senator Osita Ngwu Defects to APC

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip representing Enugu West Senatorial District, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

NaijaChoice News reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the defection letter on the floor of the Red Chamber during Wednesday’s plenary session. The move comes amid ongoing crises within the PDP at the national level.

Ngwu, an engineer and businessman from Ngwo in Enugu State, was elected to the Senate in 2023 succeeding former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu. He cited the prolonged internal wrangling in the PDP and the desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as key reasons for his switch.

The defection has further weakened the PDP’s presence in the upper chamber, reducing its senators to six. It also triggered a leadership change, with Senator Tony Nwoye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from Anambra North emerging as the new Minority Whip.

Political observers in Enugu State view the development as a significant blow to the PDP’s stronghold in the South East. Ngwu had been a vocal opposition figure, pushing issues around infrastructure and youth development in his district.

This latest realignment adds to a series of crossovers that continue to reshape the 10th National Assembly. Analysts say it signals growing momentum for the APC ahead of future political contests.

Ngwu’s decision is expected to influence grassroots politics in Enugu West, where PDP structures have dominated for years. Residents await his next moves as he settles into the ruling party.

The Senate leadership acknowledged the change without drama, maintaining proceedings as usual. Further details on how this affects committee assignments and regional representation are still emerging.