A former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Mwadkwon, who represented Plateau North in the 10th National Assembly, briefly served as Senate Minority Leader in 2023 before leaving the position.
He announced his defection on Thursday during a visit to APC elders in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“I am here to formally announce my entry into the APC and to seek the counsel of party elders at the grassroots,” he said.
Mwadkwon explained that the decision followed wide-ranging consultations with his constituents, political stakeholders, family members and associates across Plateau North, which includes Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Jos East and Bassa local government areas.
He described the move as a strategic political realignment aimed at deepening cooperation and enhancing the quality of representation for his constituents at the national level.
“This decision is driven by the desire to work more effectively with leaders who share a commitment to improving governance and ensuring that the voices of our people are heard at key decision-making levels,” he said.
According to him, the defection was not a symbolic gesture but part of a broader plan to strengthen and build the APC in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also disclosed to party elders his intention to contest the Plateau North Senate seat in the 2027 polls.
Mwadkwon won the Plateau North senatorial election in 2023 on the platform of the PDP.
However, his victory was later overturned by the Court of Appeal, which nullified the election and ordered a rerun.
The subsequent bye-election produced Dachungyang Mwadkon as the current senator, elected on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
Chairman of the APC Elders’ Council in Barkin Ladi, Solomon Bature, welcomed Mwadkwon into the party, saying the APC remained open to Nigerians willing to uphold its principles.
Mr Bature urged party members to remain loyal and committed to the growth of the APC, describing the former minority leader’s defection as a positive development for the party.
Party elders also offered prayers for Mr Mwadkwon and wished him well in his future political pursuits.
Mwadkwon was accompanied by several supporters, including former local government officials and party loyalists.
His defection is expected to strengthen the APC’s presence in Plateau State as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
