LIVE UPDATES
The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on Wednesday after four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected.
Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) formally declared their departure from the PDP during a plenary session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their resignation letters on the Senate floor and directed the Clerk to officially document the defections.
Following this change, the composition of the 10th Senate is now: APC 70, PDP 28, Labour Party 5, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 1, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 1.
The defections were attended by prominent APC officials, such as National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour Senator Chris Ngige, and several members of the House of Representatives who showed their support.
Observers consider this to be a significant political blow to the PDP, especially in Akwa Ibom State, which has historically been a stronghold for the party. Meanwhile, the APC is poised to strengthen its influence in the area.
In his resignation letter, Senator Aniekan Bassey referred to Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that his decision to defect was "well thought out" and "necessary."
He mentioned that this choice was made in light of the ongoing political changes in his constituency and within the party structure, which he feels has been irreparably damaged.
Bassey acknowledged the PDP for the opportunities it provided but stressed that his decision serves the "overall interest" of his constituents in Akwa Ibom North East. Senate President Akpabio welcomed the defectors, particularly Bassey, exclaiming, “Senator Anieka Abbasi has now joined the APC. I welcome him with open arms.
He has depleted the rank and file of the left-hand side to populate the right-hand side.” Senator Samson Ekong also justified his choice, attributing it to political dynamics in Akwa Ibom. He remarked, “Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances. In Akwa Ibom State, the earth has moved with the convergence of principal political players on the APC platform.
My people have high hopes for commensurate reward systems from the APC power matrix.”
Ekong pointed to the defection of Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umoh Eno to the APC and the widespread alignment of political stakeholders in the state with the ruling party as major motivating factors.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed the new members, stating, “I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This cannot be the end; more are coming.”
