APC Senators Now 70 as Four PDP Lawmakers Cross Over

By Iyojo Ameh

The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Senate rose to 70 on Wednesday following the defection of four lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The defecting senators—Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South)—announced their departure from the PDP during plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their resignation letters on the floor and directed the Clerk of the Senate to update the chamber’s records to reflect the changes.

The new composition of the 10th Senate is now as follows: APC – 70, PDP – 28, Labour Party – 5, NNPP – 1, SDP – 2, and APGA – 1.

Top APC officials, including the party’s National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Labour Minister Senator Chris Ngige, and some House of Representatives members, were present during the announcement.

The development is considered a significant setback for the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, long regarded as one of its key strongholds. Meanwhile, the APC is poised to consolidate its influence in the region.

In his resignation letter, Senator Aniekan Bassey cited Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, describing his decision as both “deeply considered” and “imperative” due to irreconcilable issues within the PDP.

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the platform but said the defection was in the “overall interest” of his constituents.

Senate President Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom, welcomed Bassey warmly:
“Senator Aniekan Bassey has now joined the APC. I welcome him with open arms. He has depleted the left-hand side to populate the right-hand side,” he said, referencing the seating arrangement in the Senate.

Also speaking, Senator Samson Ekong attributed his move to shifting political dynamics in Akwa Ibom.
“Politics is a game of interest—and of circumstances,” he noted. “The political landscape in Akwa Ibom has shifted. Principal political players have converged on the APC platform, and my people expect to benefit from the party’s reward structure.”

He referenced the defection of Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umoh Eno to the APC and the alignment of other key political figures in the state as major influences.

In his remarks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said, “I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This is just the beginning—more are coming.”