Former senator and media entrepreneur, Ben Murray-Bruce, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and leadership style as his motivation.

Announcing his defection in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the former lawmaker representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District said his decision was driven by a desire for national development rather than partisan politics.

“I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998. I know the man’s mind, his courage, and his conviction. He is not driven by applause; he is driven by results. And today, I can boldly say to you that he is on the right track,” Murray-Bruce wrote.

According to him, President Tinubu is the first Nigerian leader who truly understands finance and the dynamics of economic reform.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who sees the economy not as a political slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe,” he added.

The Silverbird Group founder described his move to the ruling party as a declaration of faith in Tinubu’s vision for a reformed and prosperous Nigeria.

“That is why today, I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) — not for politics, but for progress. Because I believe that Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of.”

Murray-Bruce expressed confidence that Nigeria would experience significant transformation under Tinubu’s full eight-year tenure, stating that the country was already on a new course toward long-term prosperity.

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

He commended the administration’s fiscal and energy reforms, including the deregulation of the petroleum sector and restructuring of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing them as steps that are restoring investor confidence and strengthening the naira.

The former senator also lauded the government’s investment in infrastructure — roads, ports, airports, and housing — as tangible evidence of progress.

“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 noted.

Murray-Bruce’s defection comes amid reports of an imminent move by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to also join the APC, signaling shifting political alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.