The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a major setback in the Senate on Tuesday as four senators—two from Akwa Ibom and two from Osun States—announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises, leadership breakdown, and shifting political dynamics in their constituencies.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally read their resignation letters during plenary, confirming the departure of Senators Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), Sampson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central).
With the latest defections, the APC now controls 70 out of 107 seats in the Senate, edging closer to an absolute majority of 73. The PDP holds 28 seats, Labour Party 5, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, while APGA and NNPP retain one seat each. Two seats remain vacant—Edo Central and Anambra South—pending by-elections.
Senator Bassey cited a “fractured beyond redemption” party structure and constituency pressures for his decision, noting that the move was in the “overall interest” of his people.
Senator Ekong attributed his switch to Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection to the APC, emphasizing the need for political alignment to accelerate development in Akwa Ibom State. “Politics is a game of interest and circumstances,” he said, stressing that the PDP’s division left him with no viable alternative.
From Osun State, Senator Fadahunsi said his move was driven by a desire to work alongside lawmakers committed to meaningful reforms and national transformation.
In a strongly-worded letter, Senator Fadeyi condemned the PDP’s leadership failures, rising internal mistrust, and lingering court battles. “The fractured Peoples Democratic Party can no longer deliver the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
The defections mark a significant shift in the Senate’s political makeup, further consolidating the APC’s influence and potentially shaping future legislative priorities.
