The Senate has acknowledged the defection of four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC).
This latest political realignment announced on Wednesday solidifies the APC’s numerical strength within the upper legislative chamber.
The senators who switched allegiance are Ekong Samson (representing Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central).
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Their move was marked by the Senate temporarily suspending its usual procedures to accommodate a delegation of prominent APC figures.
Among those present to witness the shift were the party’s National Secretary, the APC Chairman for Osun State, various members of the House of Representatives, and former Minister Chris Ngige.
With these new additions, the APC’s representation in the 10th Senate has surged to 72 seats, a notable increase from the 50 seats it held when the current Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023.
Conversely, the PDP’s presence in the Senate has now dwindled to 26 members, a reduction attributed to a series of defections not only from its own ranks but also from the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Commenting on the development, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele characterised the defections as a healthy manifestation of democratic principles at play.
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“For us, it is not just about the numbers,” Bamidele said, emphasising the APC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring its members and stakeholders uphold the party’s core ideals.
He underscored the party’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s progress and affirmed that the current momentum would not be taken for granted.
