In a dramatic shift on the floor of the Senate, four senators elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring their new political base in the presence of party stalwarts.
Their individual letters of defection were read during Wednesday’s plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who formally announced their exit from the PDP and entry into the APC.
The lawmakers who made the move are Francis Fadahunsi (Osun), Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun), Akon Samson (Akwa Ibom) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom).
The defection ceremony was witnessed by a high-powered delegation from the APC, including the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, former minister Chris Ngige, and some APC members of the House of Representatives, who were granted access into the chamber to observe the proceedings.
With this latest development, the numerical strength of the ruling party in the Red Chamber has surged. “With the defection of the four senators from Osun and Akwa Ibom states, the number of APC senators is now 70 while the Peoples Democratic Party has 28,” Akpabio confirmed.
The current configuration of the Senate now stands as follows: Labour Party (LP) – five senators; Social Democratic Party (SDP) – two; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – one; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – one; while two seats remain vacant.
The defection marks yet another blow to the PDP’s dwindling ranks in the upper chamber and strengthens the APC’s dominance as political realignments continue to reshape the landscape ahead of future contests.
Another boost for Wike. His camp is swelling by the day. He will leave office in disgrace.