Nigeria’s Senate is experiencing a fresh wave of political realignment after nine lawmakers officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that is already reshaping the balance of power in the 10th National Assembly.
Newsonspot reports that the senators who announced their defection include Senator Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Senator Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North).
Others who joined the ADC are Senator Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central), Senator Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Senator Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory.
Their letters of defection were formally read during Thursday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who acknowledged their switch to the new political platform.
Explaining the reason behind his decision, Senator Tony Nwoye cited the ongoing internal crisis within the Labour Party, noting that prolonged leadership disputes and multiple legal battles had significantly weakened the party’s cohesion and stability.
Reacting to the development, Senate President Akpabio dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced the lawmakers’ decision to defect. According to him, the senators came from different opposition parties including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The defections have significantly strengthened the presence of the African Democratic Congress in the Senate, giving the party greater visibility and influence in legislative proceedings.
Despite the shift, the ruling APC continues to maintain a dominant majority in the chamber with 87 senators, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) currently holds seven seats. Following the latest defections, the ADC now also controls seven seats in the Senate.
Political observers say the development reflects the growing instability within some opposition parties and could influence alliances and political strategies ahead of future electoral contests.
