Nine Senators Defect to ADC as Political Realignments Continue in Senate

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber witnessed another shift in its political composition on Thursday as nine senators from various opposition parties formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further altering the balance of power in the National Assembly.

The defections were announced during plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read letters submitted by the lawmakers confirming their decision to join the African Democratic Congress.

Those who moved to the ADC include Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central), Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) and Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory).

In his letter to the Senate leadership, Nwoye cited internal disputes within the Labour Party as the primary reason for his departure, noting that ongoing legal battles had weakened the party’s cohesion and stability.

“I wish to tender my resignation amid the ongoing multiple litigations within the Labour Party, which have significantly affected the cohesion and stability of the party,” the lawmaker wrote.

Responding after reading the defection notices, Akpabio dismissed suggestions that the ruling All Progressives Congress was behind the movement of lawmakers. He noted that the defections came from several opposition platforms, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party.

According to him, the trend reflects internal challenges within opposition parties rather than interference by the ruling party.

The latest developments highlight continuing political realignments in the 10th Senate, where shifting party loyalties have become increasingly common since the current assembly was inaugurated in June 2023. Analysts say the instability within several opposition parties has created opportunities for smaller parties to expand their presence in the legislature.

Despite the defections, the APC maintains a strong majority in the chamber with 87 senators. The Peoples Democratic Party now holds seven seats, while the ADC’s representation has risen to seven members following the latest additions.

Other parties with single-seat representation include the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the New Nigeria People’s Party and the National Democratic Congress.

With a total of 106 senators currently sitting, the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party are left without representation in the Senate after the latest defections, underscoring the fluid political landscape within Nigeria’s National Assembly.