APC tightens grip with 72 senators, PDP shrinks to 28

The ruling All Progressives Congress has further consolidated its dominance in the Senate following the defection of Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West, from the Social Democratic Party.

With his return, the APC now commands 72 out of the 109 seats in the upper legislative chamber, tightening its grip on the National Assembly and leaving the Peoples Democratic Party with 28 senators.

The Labour Party retains five seats, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Social Democratic Party have one each.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, on the other hand, has two senators.

Wadada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, had initially left the APC in 2022 to pursue his political ambition on the platform of the SDP, where he won his senatorial election in the 2023 elections.

After his resignation from the SDP, the senator formally communicated his return to the APC in a letter addressed to the party chairman in his Tudun Kofa Ward.

The letter, dated September 2 and titled “Notification of my return to the APC,” read, “I am writing to inform you of my decision to return to our great party (the All Progressives Congress).

After careful consideration, I have decided to rejoin the party to contribute to its growth, development, and success.”

His switch also comes on the heels of recent defections that have steadily weakened the PDP in the Senate.

Just two months ago, four senators — Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) — crossed over to the APC, citing deep divisions within their former party.

Their resignation letters, read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, highlighted frustrations with the PDP’s internal crisis.

Bassey, while invoking Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, wrote that his decision was “deeply considered” and “imperative.”

“This decision has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption,” Bassey said, while thanking the PDP for past opportunities.

Senator Ekong also justified his move by pointing to political realignments in Akwa Ibom State.

Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances. In Akwa Ibom State, the earth has moved with the convergence of principal political players on the APC platform. My people have high hopes for commensurate reward systems from the APC power matrix,” he said.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the wave of defections as a sign of things to come.

“I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This cannot be the end — more are coming,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are indications that with 72 senators now firmly under its fold, the APC may have attained a formidable majority that gives it stronger legislative control and the leverage to influence key decisions in the National Assembly.