Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has dismissed concerns that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Speaking during a live appearance on a political affairs program on Tuesday, the former APC National Chairman addressed the recent defection of three senators to the ruling party. With these additions, the APC now holds 68 seats in the Senate — edging closer to a two-thirds majority.
“Is this dangerous to democracy? Absolutely not,” Oshiomhole asserted. He maintained that the increased APC majority would not erode legislative independence or stifle debate within the Red Chamber.
According to the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Nigeria’s Senate has a strong tradition of issue-based voting, which often transcends party lines. “If you follow debates closely, it’s sometimes hard to tell who is APC or PDP based on the arguments made. We don’t operate like a rubber stamp, and our record shows it,” he said.
Oshiomhole also likened the development to practices in mature democracies such as the United States, where a dominant party in Congress doesn’t automatically translate to weakened checks and balances.
Reaffirming his commitment to the nation, the senator stated that his loyalty is ultimately to Nigeria. “Wherever there’s a clash between party interest and national interest, I will always choose what is best for the country,” he said.
The defection of lawmakers to the APC has stirred debate among political observers, with some warning of one-party dominance. However, Oshiomhole’s remarks seek to allay such fears, framing the defections as a reflection of shifting political alignments rather than a democratic backslide.
