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The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on Wednesday as four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party switched allegiance.
The senators—Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)—officially declared their departure from the PDP during plenary.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their resignation letters on the Senate floor and instructed the Clerk of the Senate to document the defections officially.
Following this latest change, the current composition of the tenth Senate is as follows: 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 witnessed by prominent APC officials, including the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour and Productivity Senator Chris Ngige, and several members of the House of Representatives who were present to show their support.
Analysts view this move as a significant political blow to the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, which has traditionally been a stronghold for the party. On the other hand, the APC is expected to strengthen its influence in that region.
In his resignation statement, Senator Aniekan Bassey referenced Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution and noted that his defection was a “well-considered” and “necessary” decision. Bassey expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided, but stressed that his change was in the “best interest” of his constituents in Akwa Ibom North East.
