Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Announcing his decision on Wednesday via a statement on Facebook, Murray-Bruce praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as the first in Nigeria’s history to approach the economy with discipline and a focus on free-market principles.

“The painful reforms we face today are the very foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity. We are moving into a free-market economy, one that rewards hard work and innovation instead of dependency and distortion,” he said.

He also commended the administration for stabilizing the economy through professional management of the Central Bank, improving national security, restoring respect for Nigeria’s foreign policy, deregulating fuel supply, and delivering large-scale infrastructural projects nationwide.

Acknowledging the short-term challenges faced by Nigerians, Murray-Bruce noted, “I know it is still a difficult season for many families. But as history teaches, reform is never painless. Yet, it is in these moments of sacrifice that nations are reborn.”

He explained that his defection was driven by a commitment to progress rather than political ambition: “I am joining the APC not for politics, but for progress. Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of.”

Murray-Bruce added, “In the full term of eight years, Nigeria will witness phenomenal growth. I choose to stand with that vision. I choose to stand with reform. I choose to stand with the future.”

His move follows the recent defection of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri from the PDP to the APC, along with his cabinet members and local government officials.