By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA—THE rank of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, swelled yesterday, with the defection of Senator Joshua Dariye, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Dariye, a former governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, who represent Plateau Central senatorial district, cited division in the national leadership of PDP as reason for his action.

He announced his defection in a letter read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki,   at the end of yesterday’s plenary.

Saraki, in making the announcement said:  “After due consultations with my constituency , I write to notify you of my intention to cross over from the PDP to the APC. My decision is informed by the protracted division at the national level of the PDP that led to the massive movement of my supporters to the APC.

“Arising from this, I therefore write to formerly inform you of my decision to go along with my supporters. I thank you for your understanding.

Addressing newsmen on his defection, Dariye said his decision to dump the PDP was informed by the crack in the party.

“My people in the PDP have moved to the APC and there is no need to remain alone,” he said.

Dariye reiterated his commitment to serve the people of his constituency.

With Dariye’s defection, the number of APC members in the Upper Chamber has increased to 59 senators, while the PDP  reduced to 43 senators, with one senator from Labour Party.