Senator Chukwu Defects from Labour Party to APC

The Senate on Wednesday formally announced the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another significant shift in the composition of the 10th National Assembly.

Chukwu, who represents the Enugu East Senatorial District, said his decision to leave the Labour Party was due to what he described as disorganisation and internal crisis within the party.

In his reaction, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged opposition parties to reorganise themselves and provide credible alternatives to the ruling party, warning that their current state of disunity undermines Nigeria’s democratic balance.

“I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria, but when they are in tatters, what can we do? Please, put your house in order. That’s why INEC is registering more political parties,” Akpabio said.

Echoing the Senate President’s remarks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the growing support for the APC reflected Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s handling of the economy.

“This shift in the Senate reflects a broader national trend; the APC-led government is working. Our foreign reserves are improving, and the GDP shows signs of steady growth — clear indicators that the economy is bouncing back,” Bamidele stated.

With the latest defection, the current composition of the Senate now stands as follows:

• APC – 73 members
• PDP – 28 members
• LP – 4 members
• APGA – 2 members
• SDP – 1 member
• NNPP – 1 member

The development further consolidates the APC’s dominance in the upper legislative chamber.