Four Senators Defect from PDP to APC in Nigerian Senate

At least four senators of the Nigerian Senate have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that could alter the political balance in the upper legislative chamber.

The lawmakers include Aminu Iya Abbas representing Adamawa Central, Amos Yohanna representing Adamawa North, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis representing Zamfara Central.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced their defections during plenary after reading letters submitted by the senators informing the chamber of their decision to leave the PDP.

In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their defection to persistent internal crises, divisions, and leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party, which they said had made it difficult for them to effectively represent their constituents under the platform of the party.

Meanwhile, a day earlier, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, representing Rivers West, also formally announced her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Political analysts say the defections may further strengthen the numerical advantage of the APC in the Nigerian Senate while weakening the opposition strength of the PDP in the chamber.

Observers also note that the development reflects the ongoing political realignments ahead of future political contests in Nigeria. The shift of lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling party has remained a recurring feature in the country’s political landscape.

The Senate President acknowledged receipt of the letters and wished the defecting lawmakers well in their new political platform, while the chamber continued with other legislative business.