By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate witnessed a major political realignment on Wednesday as four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pushing the APC’s majority to an overwhelming 70 seats out of 109.
The defections, which come amidst growing internal crises within the PDP and increasing alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction, signal a deeper recalibration of political loyalties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the defectors was Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), who in his defection letter cited the fractured nature of the PDP and expressed full support for the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Tinubu as well as Governor Umo Eno’s “Arise” vision for Akwa Ibom State.
Joining him was Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), who described his move as part of a larger political awakening in the state.
“In Akwa Ibom’s head, the earth has moved,” he declared, a statement interpreted as a reflection of the region’s shifting political allegiance.
Also defecting was Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), who blamed persistent internal litigation and leadership vacuum in the PDP for his decision to jump ship.
He expressed disillusionment with the party’s inability to provide clear direction and leadership.
Two more senators, whose letters were read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, similarly dumped the PDP, citing “strategic interest” and alignment with the current administration’s policies.
Receiving the defectors, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele declared, “This is not the end. The wind is blowing strong and in our favour,” signalling that more defections may be on the horizon as the 2027 election season approaches.
*Tinubu’s $3bn Eastern Rail pledge, internal PDP crisis spark major political realignment ahead of 2027
The defections come just a day after the Senate approved President Tinubu’s $21 billion global loan request, which includes a landmark $3 billion earmarked for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Eastern Rail Line—a move many see as a strategic play to win hearts in the South-East and South-South regions.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who has consistently advocated for the Eastern Corridor’s integration into national infrastructure plans, praised Tinubu for delivering on his promise to stakeholders made during his January visit to the South-East.
“This is a significant development. It brings hope and a sense of belonging to the people of the region,” Umeh said during the Senate plenary, thanking the President and commending Senate President Akpabio for following through.
Akpabio, in response, lauded Umeh’s bipartisan stance and remarked: “Sometimes I see you at ADC meetings, but you appreciate the work of President Tinubu. That’s the kind of political maturity Nigeria needs.”
The expanding APC majority now comprises 70 senators, leaving the PDP with 28, the Labour Party with 4, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 2, the NNPP with 1, the APGA with 1, and two vacant seats.
Wednesday’s session also featured a rare moment of unity when Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, moved a motion to commend the Super Falcons following their victory over South Africa’s Bayana Bayana in the African Women’s Championship semifinals.
Ningi described the win as a “sweetener” amid the nation’s mourning of General Muhammadu Buhari, business mogul Alhassan Dantata, and Oba Sikiru Adetona. Akpabio, clearly elated, praised the “angel-guided golden goal” and jokingly suggested sending Ningi to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the tournament final in Morocco.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a letter read on the floor, nominated Prof Yusuf Mohammed Yusuf as Commissioner for the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, replacing Prof Fatima Alkali, who failed to appear for confirmation.
The nomination was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.
