In a major political development, four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), increasing the party’s strength in the 10th Senate to 73 seats.
The senators who switched sides are:
Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East)
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East)
Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central)
During Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate relaxed its rules to allow key APC figures into the chamber. Present were the APC National Secretary, the Osun State APC Chairman, House of Representatives members, and former Minister Senator Chris Ngige, all of whom witnessed the defections.
This latest move marks a steady rise for the APC, which started with 50 seats when the 10th Assembly began in June 2023. The PDP now holds just 26 seats, following several defections across party lines, including from the Labour Party and NNPP.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, welcomed the development, describing it as a reflection of democracy at work.
> “It’s not just about increasing our numbers. We have a duty to uphold the party’s values and work hard for Nigeria’s progress. This momentum is not taken lightly,” he said.
The APC now holds a strong majority in the Senate, positioning the party to push forward its legislative agenda more effectively.
