PDP Suffers Big Blow as More Senators Join APC, Ruling Party Now Controls 68 Senate Seats

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has further strengthened its hold on Nigeria’s Senate following the defection of three prominent senators from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) formally crossed the aisle during Tuesday’s plenary session, shifting the balance of power in favour of the APC, which now commands 68 out of 109 Senate seats.

The move marks a significant blow to the PDP, leaving it with just 30 senators, while the Labour Party holds 5 seats and other minority parties share the remaining 4.

The defections were made in the presence of top APC figures, including the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu.

Applause echoed through the Senate gallery as the three lawmakers declared their new allegiance.

Political Realignments

While the senators offered limited explanations for their decision, sources close to the matter cited internal PDP divisions and strategic alignment with the federal government as likely motivations.

One of the senators described the APC as “a more united and focused platform for national development,” in a post-defection statement.

Their departure further weakens the PDP’s legislative strength, particularly in a Senate that has been sharply divided on controversial policy debates in recent months.

The shift could significantly alter committee dynamics and legislative outcomes, giving the APC increased leverage on key votes and proposed constitutional changes.

Strategic Advantage

Analysts suggest the APC is inching closer to a potential supermajority, one that could allow the party to amend the constitution or push through significant reforms without strong resistance.

With additional defections rumoured in the coming weeks, opposition leaders are under growing pressure to maintain internal cohesion.

Though the Senate President maintained a neutral stance during proceedings, tensions were palpable. APC senators embraced their new colleagues, while several PDP members appeared visibly unsettled by the developments.

Constitutional Reform Falters in the House

While the Senate undergoes a political reshuffling, the House of Representatives faced its own challenges.

Lawmakers rejected all seven proposed constitutional amendment bills during a heated plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Among the failed proposals was a bill that sought to rotate the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a move intended to promote equity and regional balance.

Another bill aimed to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its authority to register political parties.

Other rejected amendments included proposals to create new local governments, expand judicial powers, and empower the National Judicial Council (NJC) to set judges’ salaries, sparking concerns over jurisdictional overlaps and institutional conflicts.

Efforts by the Speaker to separate the bills for individual votes were rebuffed, as lawmakers insisted on bloc voting. All seven proposals ultimately fell short.

Reactions and Outlook

Civil society groups and legal reform advocates have voiced disappointment at the House’s decision, calling it a missed opportunity to modernise the 1999 Constitution and improve governance structures.

The House Committee on Rules and Business has promised a possible revisit of the amendments in future sessions.

As the APC consolidates control in the Senate and constitutional reforms hit a roadblock in the House, Nigeria’s legislative landscape is undergoing a silent but consequential shift, one that could shape governance for years to come.

Whether this new alignment leads to stronger policy execution or deepens political division remains to be seen. But for now, the APC holds the advantage.