By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities, says his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the need to safeguard Bayelsa’s long-term political and developmental interests.
Speaking during an interactive session with the National Assembly New Media Forum on Wednesday, Agadaga said deepening internal crises and weakened leadership within the PDP had created uncertainty about the party’s direction. He explained that these concerns compelled key stakeholders to seek a “more stable and strategic political platform.”
According to him, Bayelsa—long regarded as a PDP stronghold—could no longer afford to remain “both a minority state and a minority party” within the national political structure.
“Change is the only permanent thing in life. When the leadership of the party couldn’t hold the ground and parallel lines kept emerging, the future became unclear. We had to look for a place where we could secure a better alternative,” he said.
Agadaga also praised Governor Douye Diri for what he called a “strategic and forward-looking” decision to align with the APC, arguing that the move would bring Bayelsa closer to the centre of power and unlock greater development opportunities.
“Remaining in a minority state and a minority party limits what we can get. Moving to the APC brings us closer to the centre, where we can attract more development for our people,” he added.
Addressing concerns about whether the defection was unilateral, the senator said he consulted political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, party executives, and former President Goodluck Jonathan before making his final decision. He noted that no individual or group opposed the move.
“I consulted former presidents, governors, royal fathers, youth bodies—everyone gave advice. Up till today, nobody has questioned my decision,” he said.
Agadaga said the political realignment has eased long-standing tensions in Bayelsa, historically polarised between the PDP and APC. He noted that with major stakeholders now operating from the same platform, the state is experiencing improved political harmony ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Before now, the two major parties were always confrontational. With our movement to the APC, the tension has reduced. The major actors now understand they are working together. Peace has returned to the state,” he stated.
He acknowledged that frequent defections in Nigeria reflect the absence of strong ideological differences among political parties, saying politicians naturally gravitate toward platforms that can deliver tangible benefits to their constituents.
“We don’t have strong ideological divides. People look for where they can get dividends for their constituents. A time will come when we mature ideologically, but for now, politicians seek platforms that can better serve their people,” he said.
Agadaga added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s early developmental interest in Bayelsa also encouraged his decision to join the ruling party.
On security, particularly concerns about banditry in parts of the South-South, the senator maintained that Bayelsa remains one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states. He credited the state government and security agencies for sustaining stability.
“Militancy has largely been put to rest. People move freely, even at night. If there are cases of banditry, they come from outside the state. The federal government and the state are working together to address such issues,” he said.
He stressed that Bayelsa’s stability remains vital to Nigeria’s economic and security interests, given its role as the birthplace of crude oil and home to major oil installations.
“If there is no peace in Bayelsa, there will be no peace in Nigeria,” he concluded.
