Emmanuel Afonja
Business Column Analyst
A fresh wave of political realignment has hit Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber as nine senators from different political parties formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The lawmakers announced their decision during plenary on Thursday, with their letters of defection read before the chamber by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senators Who Switched Allegiance
Among those who moved to the ADC are prominent figures in the Senate, including Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South and Victor Umeh of Anambra Central.
Others who joined the party include Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central), Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory.
The defections further strengthen the ADC’s presence in the Senate and signal growing dissatisfaction within several opposition parties.
Reason for the Defections
In his letter, Nwoye explained that persistent disputes within the Labour Party had weakened the party’s stability and unity, making it difficult for lawmakers to function effectively under its platform.
He pointed to ongoing legal battles and internal divisions as key factors that influenced his decision to leave the party.
Akpabio Reacts
Following the announcement, Akpabio welcomed the defecting lawmakers to their new political home but rejected claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress was responsible for the shift.
According to him, the defections came from lawmakers belonging to multiple parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Social Democratic Party, suggesting that internal challenges within those parties triggered the moves.
He added that the APC should not be blamed for the instability affecting opposition parties.
Changing Balance in the Senate
The latest developments highlight the ongoing political reshuffling in the 10th Senate, where party defections have become increasingly common.
Despite the changes, the ruling APC continues to maintain a strong majority in the chamber with 87 senators. The Peoples Democratic Party has seen its numbers shrink significantly and now holds seven seats.
With the new entrants, the ADC’s representation in the Senate has also risen to seven members, strengthening its position among minority parties.
Other smaller parties such as the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the National Democratic Congress each have one senator, bringing the total number of lawmakers currently sitting in the Senate to 106.
The wave of defections reflects the continuing political shifts within Nigeria’s legislative landscape as parties reposition themselves ahead of future political contests.
