APC gains 68 senators after defections of Kebbi lawmakers

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expanded its dominance in the Nigerian Senate to 68 seats following the defection of three senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Kebbi State.

The defectors Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) formally announced their departure from the PDP during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Their decision was cemented after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House last Friday.

The latest defections bring the APC closer to a two-thirds majority in the Red Chamber, further consolidating its legislative control.

In separate letters read on the Senate floor, the senators cited a combination of “deep reflection,” “extensive consultations,” and dissatisfaction with the PDP’s internal crises and direction.

Aliero, a former FCT Minister and one-time governor, emphasized that his move was in the interest of his constituents and aligned with the APC’s “more viable platform.”

Abdullahi, a former Senate Leader, described his return to the APC as a “homecoming,” stating that issues prompting his initial exit from the party in 2022 had been resolved by the current Kebbi governor. Maidoki echoed similar sentiments.

Their exit has reduced PDP’s strength in the Senate to 30 members.

Other minority parties now include the Labour Party (LP) with 5 seats, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 2, and one senator each from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Two seats remain vacant: one due to the death of Senator Ifeanyi Mbah (Anambra South), and the other following the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) as governor.