…Bamidele cautions APC not to reduce gain to mere numbers
…As PDP struggles with legal setbacks, factional collapse across states
The All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthened its grip on the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday following the defection of four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing protracted internal crises and irreconcilable disputes within the party.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters of resignation during plenary, confirming the switch of Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Senator Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South).
With the latest defections, APC now commands 70 seats in the Red Chamber, leaving the ruling party just three short of the 73 needed for a two-thirds majority, a key threshold that enables the Senate to override presidential vetoes, amend the Constitution, and approve weighty decisions such as the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Governor of the Central Bank.
Addressing colleagues, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) advised members to view the development beyond numerical gain.
“For us, this is not about numbers. It is a sober reminder that we have serious work ahead. We must understand the implications of this development and continue to reshape our party philosophy to advance Nigeria,” he said.
Bamidele reaffirmed the APC’s inclusive approach, stating that the party remains committed to unity irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
In the chamber to witness proceedings were APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour Senator Chris Ngige, and several members of the House of Representatives.
The move represents another setback for the PDP, which has struggled with leadership disputes, unresolved litigation, and stalled party congresses for over three years. Insiders suggest more defections may follow in the coming weeks as rifts within the opposition deepen.
