The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has increased its dominance in the Nigerian Senate with the defection of four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defectors—Senators Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central)—were formally welcomed during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The Senate suspended its rules to allow dignitaries, including APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, former Minister Chris Ngige, and several House of Representatives members, to witness the development.
With the latest defections, the APC now holds 72 seats in the 10th Senate, up from the 50 it secured at the start of the current legislative term in June 2023. The PDP’s strength has dwindled to 26 seats, following a string of losses to the APC, Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele hailed the defections as a testament to the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy. “We do not take this momentum for granted,” he said, adding that the APC remained focused on national development and party cohesion.
