Senate power shifts as four PDP Senators defect to APC

The political landscape of the Nigerian Senate has witnessed a significant shift following the defection of four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The senators—Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Fadeyi Olubiyi (Osun Central)—cited internal crises, weak leadership, and a desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction as reasons for their defection.

Aniekan Bassey declared his departure from what he called a “fractured PDP,” pledging his commitment to the APC’s Renewed Hope agenda and aligning with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise vision for Akwa Ibom State. Ekong Samson echoed similar sentiments, stating that the political tide in Akwa Ibom now favours the APC.

From Osun State, Senators Francis Fadahunsi and Fadeyi Olubiyi pointed to unresolved litigations and a leadership vacuum within the PDP as their reasons for abandoning the opposition party.

With the latest defections, the APC now commands a supermajority in the Senate with 70 out of 109 seats. The PDP holds 28, Labour Party 4, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 1, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 1, while two seats—one each in Edo and Anambra States—remain vacant.

Welcoming the new senators, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said, “This is not the end. The wind is blowing strong and in our favour.” He, however, cautioned that the development is both a boost and a responsibility for the APC.

In a separate development, the Senate received a formal letter from President Tinubu nominating Professor Yusuf Mohammed Yusuf as Commissioner for the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. He is to replace Professor Fatima Alkali, whose nomination was withdrawn after she failed to appear for screening. The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.