The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have suffered a fresh blow in the Senate as four senators — two from Akwa Ibom and two from Osun— announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening party crises, fractured leadership, and the need to align with current political realities in their districts.
Their resignation letters were formally read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
The defections have significantly altered the balance of power in the upper legislative chamber. With 70 seats now, the APC holds a commanding plurality in the 107-member Senate, falling just three senators short of an absolute majority of 73.
The PDP, weakened by internal divisions and legal disputes, now holds 28 seats. Meanwhile, the Labour Party occupies 5 seats, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has 2, and both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have 1 seat each. Two Senate seats remain vacant—one in Edo Central and another in Anambra South—pending by-elections.
This latest shift in the chamber’s composition leaves the APC in a strengthened negotiating position, as it inches closer to dominating the Senate’s legislative agenda.
Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) described his move as a “deeply considered” response to political shifts in his constituency and the internal disarray within the PDP.
“This decision, though deeply considered, has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure which has been fractured beyond redemption,” he wrote.
“It is taken in the overall interest of my people to continue to provide effective representation in accordance with my constitutional right.”
“I sincerely thank the Peoples Democratic Party for the platform it provided when it was together to serve the good people of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.”
“I also extend my gratitude to my colleagues, party leaders, and supporters who stood by me throughout my time in the party.”
Senator Sampson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) linked his departure to the earlier defection of **Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC, stating it was necessary to align efforts for the development of the state.
“This development has come after a range of consultations with my constituents following the switch of even my state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the APC and the need to strengthen collaborations to develop my senatorial district and the larger Akwa Ibom State,” he wrote.
“Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances. The current division in the Peoples Democratic Party leaves me with no other option than to seek an alternative platform.”
“Despite the switch, I look forward to working with my new partymen and women in the All Progressives Congress and indeed the Senate, as well as the well-meaning Nigerians in the pursuit of ideals that have always inspired my political odyssey.”
From Osun East, Senator Francis Fadahunsi said his political journey necessitated realignment with lawmakers committed to impactful reforms and national transformation.
“My political journey has compelled me to align with like-minded individuals and lawmakers committed to driving meaningful change at all levels of governance,” he said.
“I promise to bring my wealth of experience to bear at ensuring the victory of the APC from top to bottom.”
In a scathing letter, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) blamed the PDP’s alleged leadership failures, rising mistrust, and unresolved legal battles for his departure.
“The people of my hometown, my senatorial district, and the nation at large cry out for dividends of democracy, infrastructural development, education, and good health, and of course employment opportunities, which today the fractured Peoples Democratic Party cannot provide,” Fadeyi stated.
“As a senator, I am committed to representing the interests of my people, but I can no longer do so under the current circumstances of violence, mistrust, and lack of leadership.”
“The numerous court cases involving party members have tarnished the party’s image, disrupted its core mission, and fractured the umbrella.”
Boluwatife Enome
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