The All Progressives Congress (APC) now holds 70 seats in the Senate following the defection of four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday.
The defectors—Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)—announced their resignation from the PDP during plenary. Their letters were read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who directed the Senate Clerk to update official records.
This shift alters the makeup of the 10th Senate to:
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APC: 70
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PDP: 28
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Labour Party: 5
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NNPP: 1
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SDP: 2
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APGA: 1
Top APC leaders, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and ex-Minister of Labour Chris Ngige, witnessed the defections.
Observers see this as a significant blow to the PDP, especially in Akwa Ibom—a long-standing stronghold—while the APC is expected to gain ground in the region.
Senator Aniekan Bassey cited constitutional provisions and internal party crises as reasons for his move, calling the PDP “fractured beyond redemption.” He said his defection serves the “overall interest” of his constituents.
Senator Samson Ekong said his switch was based on shifting political dynamics in Akwa Ibom, pointing to a growing alliance of local leaders with the APC.
“Politics is about interest and circumstance,” he said. “With Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s defection and other key actors joining the APC, our people expect results through this new alignment.”
Senate President Akpabio, himself from Akwa Ibom, welcomed the senators warmly, joking that the left-hand side of the chamber had been “depleted.”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele added, “This won’t be the last—more defections are coming.”