Four PDP Senators and Three Reps Move to APC

Seven lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the PDP’s position in both chambers.

On Wednesday, four senators, Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central), announced their defection during plenary. 

Their letters were read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who acknowledged their exit as another significant turn in the ongoing political realignments.

Shortly after, the House of Representatives also witnessed a similar scene. Three PDP members, Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency, Osun State), Omirin Emmanuel Olusanya (Atakunmosa/Ilesa Federal Constituency, Osun State), and Markus Onobun (Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, Edo State), formally joined the APC.

Their defections appear to be part of a broader trend that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. While the senators did not publicly state their reasons during plenary, the House members pointed to deepening internal crises within the PDP.

Markus Onobun, the only PDP representative from Edo State in the current Assembly, stated that his decision followed “wide consultations” and a desire to support the development agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo. His exit effectively leaves the PDP without a seat in the House from Edo State.

Ajilesoro and Olusanya echoed similar concerns, attributing their move to the unresolved leadership issues in the PDP and expressing alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Their departure was not without resistance. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised objections, calling on Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to consider the constitutional grounds for defection and to declare the affected seats vacant.

However, the Speaker acknowledged the letters and proceeded without immediate action.

Present in the Senate gallery during the defection announcements were APC national secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour and Productivity Senator Chris Ngige, and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, a House member from Oyo State, all underscoring the symbolic weight of the moment for the APC.

As both major parties gear up for 2027, the defections signal not just individual political moves but a deeper repositioning within the legislature. For the APC, it’s a boost in numbers and influence. For the PDP, it’s another call to reassess its internal structure and grip on its elected officials.