Smart Adeyemi, the senator who represented Kogi west senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for eight years, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeyemi, who was a member of the 6th and 7th assembly, announced his defection at his Abuja residence on Friday.
He explained that the pressure from his constituents left him with no other choice but to be a member of the ruling party, emphasising that politics was essentially local.
“After due consultations with both local and national leaders across my state and the nation, we have come to the realisation that we have to take a major decision for the best interest of our people,” he said.
“In the light of the sincerity and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, his strength of character and support of eminent personalities such as Baba Olusegun Obasanjo, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the support of the leadership of the ruling party towards the reconstruction of the socio-economic fabrics of our nation, we have decided to defect to the All Progressives Congress.”
He said the country’s future was secured under President Muhammadu Buhari, saying in less than a year in office, the APC has shown that it has the capacity to lead the country to the promise land.
“When the PDP was in government, a barrel of crude oil was sold for about $100, it is not so today as a barrel of oil is just about $40. I am convinced that the Buhari-led administration will take Nigeria to a new height,” he said.
Adeyemi also appealed to his supporters to leave the former ruling party and join him in the APC.