A wave of defections swept through Nigeria’s National Assembly on Thursday as lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) switched allegiance to new political platforms.
Nine senators defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing prolonged internal crises within their former parties. The development has significantly reshaped the opposition landscape in the Senate, positioning ADC as a major opposition force.
During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out the defection letters of several lawmakers who left the PDP for the ADC.
The defectors include:
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South)
Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South)
Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central)
Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South)
Augustine Akobundu (Abia Central)
Also joining the ADC were three former Labour Party senators:
Victor Umeh (Anambra Central)
Tony Nwoye (Anambra North)
Ireti Kingibe (FCT)
In addition, APGA senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) also defected to the ADC.
Meanwhile, Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) left the PDP for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Deputy Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi (Osun West) defected to the Accord Party.
Abaribe’s defection sparked debate on the Senate floor regarding constitutional provisions governing party switching by lawmakers.
Akpabio directed that the letters be carefully examined to ensure compliance with the 1999 Constitution, particularly provisions stating that lawmakers may lose their seats if they defect without evidence of division within their original party.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin argued that APGA was not facing a national leadership crisis, suggesting Abaribe’s defection might violate constitutional rules.
Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole noted that lawmakers can only defect without losing their seats if their party is divided.
Abaribe, however, maintained that he had been expelled from APGA in September 2025 and therefore did not voluntarily leave the party.
The Senate President said the chamber had not received any official documentation confirming the expulsion and gave Abaribe a one-week ultimatum to present evidence.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele added that the matter raises serious constitutional questions about lawmakers’ qualification and possible disqualification under Sections 65 and 68 of the Constitution.
The Senate is expected to revisit the issue after Abaribe submits proof of his alleged expulsion.
12 Reps Also Defect
In the House of Representatives, 12 lawmakers from the PDP, LP, NNDP and Young Peoples Party (YPP) also switched parties.
Six lawmakers from the PDP moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including:
James Barka
Kwamoti Bitrus Laori
Zakaria Nyampa
Kobis Thimnu
Midala Balami
Mohammed Bargaja
Five lawmakers defected to the ADC:
Afam Victor Ogene
Peter Aniekwe
Lilian Orogbu
Jessey Onakalusi
Murphy Osaro Omoruyi
Following the defections, the number of APC lawmakers in the House rose to 268, while PDP membership dropped to 49.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, also disclosed that eight additional lawmakers have notified the House of their intention to defect.
ADC Emerging as Major Opposition
With the latest developments, the ADC is rapidly gaining prominence in the Senate and could soon emerge as the main opposition party.
Political sources indicate that Abaribe may be considered for the position of Senate Minority Leader — a role he previously held during the 9th Senate.
Meanwhile, the defections have increased the number of APC senators to 87, while PDP representation has dropped sharply.
The 10th Senate currently has 106 members, with three seats vacant following the deaths of senators representing Nasarawa North, Enugu North and Rivers South East.