APC swells as four PDP senators defect to ruling party

Summary

• Four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially crossed to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
• The defections bring the APC’s count in the Senate to approximately 70
• Internal crises within the PDP and the alignment with state-level political shifts were cited as key reasons

Abuja, Nigeria – The political landscape of the Nigerian Senate saw a significant shift on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, as four prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move, announced during a plenary session, substantially bolsters the APC’s numerical strength, further consolidating its dominance in the upper legislative chamber.

The defecting senators are Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South). Their defection letters, read aloud by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, outlined various justifications for their switch.

Among the reasons cited were persistent internal crises plaguing the PDP, a lack of cohesive leadership, and the necessity to align with evolving political dynamics to better serve their constituents. Notably, the Akwa Ibom senators also highlighted their state Governor Pastor Umoh Eno’s own defection to the APC as a crucial factor influencing their decision.

This development reshapes the composition of the 10th Senate, with the APC now commanding around 70 seats. In contrast, the PDP’s representation has shrunk to approximately 28, down from its initial 36 members. Other parties, including the Labour Party (now with 5 seats), New Nigeria Peoples Party (1), Social Democratic Party (2), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (1), hold the remaining positions.

The increase in APC senators brings the party closer to securing a two-thirds majority in the 107-member Senate, a position that would grant them considerable power in dictating legislative outcomes.

For the PDP, these defections represent a notable political setback, particularly in Akwa Ibom, a state traditionally considered a PDP stronghold. The events underscore the ongoing internal turmoil and fragmentation within the opposition party.

Top APC officials, including the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, were present to witness the official announcement.