In a dramatic political shake-up on Wednesday, July 23, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) tightened its grip on the National Assembly as seven lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected, significantly boosting the party’s numerical strength in both chambers.
Four senators—Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central)—announced their defection during plenary in the Senate. Their move swelled the APC’s ranks in the upper chamber to 70 seats, up from the 50 seats it held at the start of the 10th Assembly in June 2023.
To commemorate the moment, the Senate suspended its standing rules to admit key APC leaders into the chamber, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, former Labour Minister Chris Ngige, and several members of the House of Representatives.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed the new members, describing the defections as a testament to APC’s growing appeal.
“For us, it is not just about the numbers,” Bamidele said. “We have a serious job ahead to ensure that members and stakeholders remain committed to the ideals of our party. We are doing everything possible to move Nigeria to the next level, and we do not take this momentum for granted.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also witnessed a political realignment as three PDP members crossed over to the APC. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the defections of Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/East/North/South, Osun), Omirin Olusanya (Atakunmosa East/West and Ilesha East/West, Osun), and Marcus Onobun (Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben, Edo).
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Although the defectors did not immediately disclose reasons for their move, insiders attribute the wave to internal crises and factional disputes rocking the PDP, alongside strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC, still the dominant force at the federal level, has been consolidating power across key geopolitical zones, particularly in the South-West where Osun State is emerging as a major battleground.
With these defections, the PDP’s representation in the Senate drops to 28 seats, with its influence in the House further diminished. The developments are expected to trigger a strong reaction from opposition ranks as the political chessboard continues to shift ahead of the next polls.
The PDP has yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.