Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda and economic policies.
Murray-Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, made the announcement via a statement shared on social media on Wednesday. He described his decision as one rooted in principle rather than political ambition, aligning himself with what he called a “vision for progress.”
“I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress,” Murray-Bruce stated. “Because I believe that Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of.”
The former lawmaker praised Tinubu’s economic strategy, describing current reforms as “painful” but necessary for long-term prosperity. He highlighted deregulation, fiscal discipline, and infrastructural expansion as key pillars of the administration’s approach.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who truly understands finance,” he said. “The economy is being treated not as a slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe.”
Murray-Bruce also pointed to improvements in national security, monetary policy, and foreign relations, asserting that Nigeria is regaining international confidence and attracting renewed investment.
His defection coincided with that of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who also announced his departure from the PDP to the APC on the same day. The dual announcements mark a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political landscape and add to a growing wave of defections from the opposition party.
Murray-Bruce concluded his statement with a prediction that Nigeria would experience “phenomenal growth” under Tinubu’s leadership over the course of an eight-year term.
The PDP has yet to issue a formal response to the senator’s departure, though party officials have recently expressed concern over internal defections and pledged to address structural challenges at the upcoming national convention.
