Three PDP Senators Defect to APC, Ruling Party Strengthens Majority in Senate

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, further strengthening the APC’s majority in the Nigerian Senate.

The lawmakers are Amos Yohanna representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Aminu Iya Abbas representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District.

Their letters announcing the defection were read during plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the PDP was largely influenced by ongoing internal crises affecting the party in their respective states.

With the latest defections, the number of senators belonging to the APC has increased to 83, while the PDP’s representation in the chamber has dropped to 19.

Other parties represented in the Senate include the New Nigeria Peoples Party with one senator, the Social Democratic Party with one senator, the African Democratic Congress with four senators, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance with one senator. The Labour Party currently has no representation in the Senate.

Reacting to the development, Akpabio described the defections as a sign that the country is moving in the right direction. He recalled that during the 8th National Assembly, the APC lost 34 members to the PDP but noted that the trend has now reversed.

He further stated that the PDP has gradually lost members to the ruling party, which he said reflects growing confidence in the current administration led by Bola Tinubu.

Akpabio attributed the shift partly to the government’s economic reforms, including the harmonisation of foreign exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic management and reducing the dependence of state governments on borrowing while promoting long-term economic growth.