Nine members of the senate on Thursday announced their defection from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Godswill Akpabio read their letters of defection during plenary.
Among those who switched parties is Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto south, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ADC. Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia south, also moved from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ADC.
Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra central, left the Labour Party (LP) for the ADC.
In his letter, Umeh cited internal conflicts within the Labour Party as the reason for his decision.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.
“I remain committed to continuing or to continue making my contributions towards the development of our nation where no one is oppressed.”
Also joining the ADC is Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa south, who left the PDP.
Onawo said his defection was guided by his belief in democratic principles and good governance.
“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” he said.
Other lawmakers who moved to the ADC include Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who defected from the Labour Party; Austin Akobundu (Abia central) from the PDP; Tony Nwoye (Anambra north) from the Labour Party; Binos Yaroe (Adamawa south) from the PDP; and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna central) from the PDP.
Explaining his decision, Usman said:
“I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and development and developmental interests of the people.”
Following the defections, the senate’s party composition now stands as follows: the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds 85 seats, the ADC has nine, the PDP eight, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC), APGA, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) each have one seat.
Three seats remain vacant following the deaths of Barinada Mpigi (Rivers south-east), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa north), and Okey Ezea (Enugu north).
