Nine senators from different political parties have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further shifting the balance of power in the Senate.
The defectors are Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central), Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory).
Their resignation letters were formally presented on the Senate floor on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tony Nwoye explained that internal disputes and ongoing litigations within the Labour Party prompted his defection.
“I am resigning due to the persistent legal battles that have disrupted the stability and unity of my former party,” Nwoye stated in his letter.
Akpabio welcomed the senators to the ADC but dismissed claims that the ruling APC orchestrated the defections.
He said the moves were rooted in difficulties within the senators’ previous parties.
“These senators come from several parties APGA, Labour, SDP and their defection is not linked to APC interference. They are ensuring proper minority representation in the chamber,” Akpabio said.
The development highlights continued party realignments in the 10th Senate.
Following the defections, APC holds 87 seats, PDP has seven, and ADC now counts seven members.
APGA, NNPP, and NDC each maintain one seat, while Labour Party and SDP currently have no representation.
