Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the recent defections of lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as acts of patriotism and expressions of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Akpabio stated this on Wednesday night after leading Senator Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) and Senator Kaila Samaila (Bauchi North) to a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. Both senators recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Akpabio said the lawmakers’ decisions were inspired by the President’s economic reforms and commitment to national development.

“They (Jarigbe and Samaila) are Mr. President’s children and his supporters. The President is the father of the nation and of all political parties,” Akpabio said.

He explained that although the senators were elected on different platforms, Tinubu’s transformative policies had motivated them to join the ruling party and contribute to nation-building.

“Interestingly, they came into the Senate on different political platforms, but as a result of Mr. President’s policies, which have turned things around economically particularly in revenue generation they found it necessary to join efforts in building Nigeria.

“Theirs is nothing but patriotism. They are not focused on which political party is in power, but on who can move Nigeria forward and put food on the tables of Nigerians,” he added.

Speaking to reporters, Senator Jarigbe said his defection stemmed from his belief in President Tinubu’s performance.

“I joined the APC because the President is really doing well, and I want to support him in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Jarigbe said.