Four PDP Senators Defect to APC, Giving Ruling Party Near-Majority in Senate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered another major setback in the Nigerian Senate as four of its senators two from Akwa Ibom and two from Osun officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing party instability and the need to align with shifting political realities.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read their resignation letters during plenary, confirming the defections that have further reshaped the power dynamics in the Red Chamber.

With the defections, the APC now controls 70 seats in the 107-member Senate just three senators short of an absolute majority (73). The PDP now holds 28 seats, while other parties hold the remaining: Labour Party (5), Social Democratic Party (2), All Progressives Grand Alliance (1), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (1). Two seats remain vacant pending by-elections in Edo Central and Anambra South.

Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) described his move as a “deeply considered” response to political disarray within the PDP.

 “The party structure has been fractured beyond redemption,” he wrote.

Senator Sampson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) cited the defection of Governor Umo Eno to the APC as a key influence.

 “It became imperative to align efforts for the development of the state.”

Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) said his decision was driven by a need to work with lawmakers committed to “meaningful national reform.”

“My political journey has compelled me to realign with like-minded individuals.”

Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) delivered a blistering critique of the PDP in his letter, blaming the party’s “leadership failures, mistrust, and unresolved legal battles.”

  “The fractured PDP can no longer deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said the defections place the APC in a stronger position to control legislative priorities, committee leaderships, and the passage of key executive bills.

Analysts say the trend could continue unless the PDP resolves its internal crises and repositions ahead of the 2027 elections.