Four PDP Senators Defect to APC, Bolstering Ruling Party’s Strength to 70 in Senate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has significantly increased its numerical strength in the Nigerian Senate, reaching 70 senators, following the defection of four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The senators formally announced their switch during plenary on Wednesday, further weakening the PDP’s presence in the Red Chamber.

The defecting senators are:

• Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East)
• Senator Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central)
• Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East)
• Senator Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)

Their letters of resignation from the PDP and declaration for the APC were read on the Senate floor by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently directed the Clerk of the Senate to officially record the defections.

In their separate letters, the defectors cited “irreconcilable differences” and prevailing internal crises within the PDP as the primary reasons for their cross-carpeting. Senator Aniekan Bassey, for instance, invoked Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that his decision was “deeply considered” and “imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption.”

Senator Samson Ekong further linked his move to political shifts in Akwa Ibom State, a historically PDP stronghold. “Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances,” Ekong said. “In Akwa Ibom State, the earth has moved with the convergence of principal political players on the APC platform. My people have high hopes for commensurate reward systems from the APC power matrix.” He specifically referenced the defection of Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umoh Eno to the APC and the subsequent alignment of political stakeholders with the ruling party.

With these latest defections, the composition of the 10th Senate now stands as follows:

• APC: 70 Senators
• PDP: 28 Senators
• Labour Party: 5 Senators
• New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 1 Senator
• Social Democratic Party (SDP): 2 Senators
• All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): 1 Senator

The defections were witnessed by top APC officials, including the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour and Productivity Senator Chris Ngige, and some members of the House of Representatives, who were present in solidarity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom himself, warmly welcomed the new members, remarking that they had “depleted the rank and file of the left-hand side to populate the right-hand side.” Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele echoed the sentiment, stating, “I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This cannot be the end, more are coming.”

This development is seen by observers as a major political upset for the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, and is expected to further consolidate the APC’s legislative control, potentially easing the passage of government policies and initiatives in the Senate. The PDP leadership is yet to issue a formal reaction to this significant loss of its members.