Senator Peter Jiya Defects to APC, Ending PDP’s Presence in Niger State’s Senate Representation

Niger South Senator Peter Jiya dumps PDP for APC, citing internal crises. Jiya was the last remaining PDP senator from Niger State in the National Assembly.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

A Total Shift for Niger State’s Senate Delegation

The political alignment of Niger State in the National Assembly has shifted decisively toward the ruling party following the defection of Senator Peter Jiya. Representing the Niger South Senatorial District, Jiya was previously the only member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the state serving in the 10th Senate. His move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) effectively turns the state’s senatorial representation into a solid APC bloc, further consolidating the ruling party’s dominance in the North Central region.

Citing Systemic Crisis and Internal Friction

In a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary session, Jiya grounded his decision in the persistent internal turmoil of his former party. He cited the "long-standing crisis" rocking the PDP as the primary catalyst for his exit, suggesting that the party's current state had become a hindrance to effective political engagement. While Jiya expressed his gratitude to the PDP for providing the platform that facilitated his 2023 election, he signaled that his future political journey required a more stable environment.

Professional Background and Legislative Tenure

Senator Jiya, a legal professional by training, was elected to the Senate in 2023. During his tenure under the PDP banner, he was a vocal advocate for his constituents in Niger South. His transition to the APC is seen by political observers as a pragmatic move to align with the center of power in Abuja, potentially allowing him to better navigate the legislative landscape and secure developmental benefits for his district.