Three senators have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing ongoing internal disputes within the PDP in their states.
The lawmakers are Amos Yohanna representing Adamawa North, Aminu Iya Abbas of Adamawa Central, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis of Zamfara Central.
Their letters announcing the defections were read during Senate plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senators explained that persistent internal crises within the PDP in their respective states influenced their decision to join the APC.
With the latest development, the number of APC senators in the upper chamber has increased to 83, while the PDP now holds 19 seats. Other parties in the Senate include the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with one seat, the Social Democratic Party (Nigeria) (SDP) with one, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with four, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with one. The Labour Party (Nigeria) currently has no representation.
Reacting to the defections, Akpabio described the trend as evidence that Nigeria is moving in the right direction. He recalled that during the 8th Senate, 34 APC lawmakers had defected to the PDP but noted that the situation has now reversed.
According to him, the PDP has effectively “emptied itself” into the ruling party, suggesting that the shift indicates growing confidence in the current administration.
Akpabio attributed the development partly to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the unification of foreign exchange rates, the removal of fuel subsidies, and policies aimed at improving fiscal discipline.
He added that these reforms have helped reduce the reliance of state governments on borrowing while positioning the country for stronger economic growth.
