Niger South Senator Peter Jiya Defects to APC, Citing "Irreconcilable Divisions" within PDP

Niger South Senator Peter Jiya has defected to the APC, citing "irreconcilable divisions" within the PDP in a letter to Senate President Akpabio.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 6:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Shift in Senate Dynamics as PDP Loses Key Representative

The political landscape in Niger State has undergone a significant realignment following the defection of Senator Peter Jiya from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Jiya, who represents the Niger South senatorial district, made his intentions formal through a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The announcement was read during the Wednesday plenary session, marking a mechanical shift in the balance of power within the Red Chamber. Jiya's exit is a notable blow to the opposition PDP, particularly given his victory in the 2023 general elections where he unseated the APC’s incumbent, Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi.

Internal Turmoil Cited as Primary Reason for Exit

In his correspondence to the Senate leadership, Jiya was candid about the motivations behind his resignation. He stated that his decision was premised on deep-seated "quarrels and irreconcilable divisions" currently plaguing the PDP. The senator indicated that the internal friction within the party had made it increasingly difficult to pursue his political objectives and serve his constituents effectively under his former banner. By citing these internal disputes, Jiya joins a growing list of lawmakers who have pointed to party instability as a justification for seeking political asylum within the ruling APC.

Retroactive Resignation and New Political Allegiance

Although the announcement was made public on April 1, the letter clarified that Senator Jiya’s resignation from the PDP was effective as of March 10, 2026. He expressed a clear desire to be associated with the All Progressives Congress moving forward, stating that the move is intended to "further my political career." This transition is expected to strengthen the APC's influence in Niger State, consolidating the party's hold over the North-Central region. For Jiya, the switch provides a more stable platform under the ruling party’s umbrella, away from the administrative chaos he described in the PDP.