Abuja, Nigeria
In a significant political development, four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, announced during a plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marks a notable shift in the legislative body's party composition.
Senators from Osun and Akwa-Ibom Make the Switch
The defecting senators include Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi, both representing Osun State, alongside Akon Samson and Aniekan Bassey from Akwa-Ibom State. Their letters of defection were formally read on the floor of the Senate, confirming their cross-carpeting to the APC.
APC Gains Majority as Political Landscape Evolves
This strategic defection substantially bolsters the APC's presence in the Senate, increasing their total representation to 70 senators. Conversely, the PDP's count has now fallen to 28 senators. The realignment underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria's political landscape, particularly within its legislative arm.
The current breakdown of party representation in the Senate following these defections is as follows:
All Progressives Congress (APC): 70 senators
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): 28 senators
Labour Party (LP): 6 senators
Social Democratic Party (SDP): 2 senators
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): 1 senator
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 1 senator
Additionally, two senatorial seats currently remain vacant, awaiting resolution. This latest defection reinforces the APC's dominant position within the Nigerian National Assembly, potentially influencing future legislative agenda and political discourse.
