Three members of the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another shift in the political landscape of the National Assembly.
The announcement was made during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read separate letters from the lawmakers informing the chamber of their decisions to switch allegiance.
According to Ireporter Online, the Senators attributed their defection to the lingering internal crisis and leadership disputes currently affecting the PDP. The lawmakers explained in their letters that the instability within the party influenced their decision to join the ruling APC.
The defecting lawmakers include Ikra Bilbis, who represents Zamfara Central; Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central; and Amos Yohanna, who represents Adamawa North. Their movement further alters the balance of party representation within the Senate.
Meanwhile, a faction of the PDP led by Kabiru Turaki has expressed confidence that the party will still present candidates in the 2027 general elections despite ongoing legal and internal challenges.
The assurance was given by the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, who addressed journalists on Tuesday following an expanded meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees in Abuja. The meeting brought together governors, members of the National Working Committee, state chairmen and other key stakeholders of the party.
prominent figures present at the gathering included Seyi Makinde, Tanimu Turaki, and Umar Damagum. Also in attendance were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, former Information Minister Jerry Gana, and former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu, among other notable party leaders.
During the meeting, Ememobong disclosed that discussions focused on the implications of a recent ruling by the Appeal Court and the steps necessary to ensure the party remains qualified to participate in the 2027 elections
