Senate Welcomes Four PDP Defectors As APC Strengthens Majority

The Senate on Wednesday officially received four lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further boosting the ruling party’s majority in the upper chamber.

The senators who made the switch are Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central).

To mark the occasion, the Senate suspended its rules to allow the presence of top APC figures, including the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; Osun State APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; members of the House of Representatives, and former Minister, Chris Ngige.

With the latest defections, the APC now holds 72 seats in the 10th Senate, a significant rise from the 50 seats it had when the Assembly began in June 2023. Meanwhile, the PDP’s presence has dwindled to 26 seats, following losses not only from its own ranks but also from defections within the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele hailed the development as a reflection of democracy in action.

“It’s not just about the numbers. We are focused on ensuring our members and stakeholders remain committed to the ideals of our party. We’re working hard to move Nigeria forward, and we value the momentum we’re building,” Bamidele stated.