Nine senators on Thursday defected from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reshaping the composition of the Nigerian Senate.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read the letters announcing their defections during plenary.
Among those who switched parties was Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto South, who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC. Similarly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the ADC.
Also defecting was Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central, who moved from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC.
In his letter, Umeh explained that his decision was prompted by the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.
“I remain committed to continuing to make my contributions towards the development of our nation where no one is oppressed.”
Also joining the ADC is Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa South, who defected from the PDP. Onawo said his move was driven by a desire to strengthen democratic ideals and promote good governance.
“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” he said.
The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, also left the Labour Party for the ADC.
Others who announced their defections include Austin Akobundu, senator representing Abia Central, who moved from the PDP to the ADC; Tony Nwoye, senator representing Anambra North, who left the Labour Party; and Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa South, who also defected from the PDP.
Additionally, Lawal Adamu Usman, senator representing Kaduna Central, defected from the PDP to the ADC.
“I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and developmental interests of the people,” Usman said.
Following the defections, the composition of the Senate now stands as follows: the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 85 senators; the ADC with 9; the PDP with 8; the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with 1; the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) with 1; APGA with 1; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 1.
