Senator and media entrepreneur Ben Murray-Bruce has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his firm belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda as the key motivation.
In his announcement, Murray-Bruce explained that his decision is not borne from expediency, but from conviction. He emphasized that he has known President Tinubu since 1998 and believes the president’s approach to economic and institutional reforms is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s revival.
“I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998 … He is not driven by applause, he is driven by results. Today, I can boldly say he is on the right track,” Murray-Bruce declared in his statement.
He praised Tinubu’s administration for deregulating the petroleum sector, restructuring the Central Bank, and pursuing infrastructure development as building blocks for economic growth. He said these policies demonstrate a serious and disciplined approach to governance. Premium Times Nigeria
Political analysts view Murray-Bruce’s defection as part of a growing wave of opposition figures migrating toward the ruling party in recent months. Some interpret these moves as aligning with political survival, while others suggest they reflect ideological shifts in response to changing national priorities.
Key implications emerge:
- APC consolidation: Murray-Bruce’s move strengthens Tinubu’s coalition and may inspire additional defections in the South.
- PDP fragility: Losing prominent voices further questions PDP’s coherence and capacity to retain its base.
- Credibility test: For Murray-Bruce, sustaining voter trust will depend on his consistency and contributions within his new party.
The defection was met with welcome messages from APC figures such as Festus Keyamo, who praised Murray-Bruce’s outspokenness and welcomed him as a “co-owner” of the party in his state.