In a significant political realignment, four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pushing the APC’s seat count in the 10th Senate to a commanding 72.
The lawmakers—Senators Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central)—were officially welcomed into the APC during plenary.
Their defection was marked by high drama as the Senate suspended its rules to allow an unusual presence of top-ranking APC figures in the chamber.
Dignitaries included the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; Osun State APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; and several members of the House of Representatives.
The latest defections deal another blow to the PDP, whose strength in the Senate has now dwindled to just 26 seats—down from its pre-2023 election figures.
The opposition has also seen attrition from other parties including the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), tightening the APC’s grip on legislative power.
Reacting to the development, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the defections reflected the vibrancy of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“For us, it’s not just about expanding our numbers—we’re consolidating a mandate to move Nigeria forward,” Bamidele said. “This momentum is a responsibility we do not take lightly.”
Analysts say the growing majority gives the APC a firmer legislative edge, potentially smoothing the passage of key bills and executive priorities as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
