The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), engaged in a heated exchange on Wednesday over the growing wave of defections of opposition lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The confrontation followed the formal defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Chukwu cited “collapse of internal democracy and lack of cohesion” within his former party as reasons for his decision.
With the latest switch, the Senate now comprises the following parties: APC – 73 senators; PDP – 28; LP – 4; NNPP – 1; SDP – 1; and APGA – 2, totalling 109 members.
After reading Chukwu’s defection letter, Akpabio taunted the opposition, saying their dwindling ranks were no longer a source of concern.
The Senate President said, “If they like, let them all move here. Your decision to leave a tattered house is accepted.”
He added that opposition parties needed to reorganise themselves, stressing that Nigeria would not slip into a one-party state since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to register new political parties.
“But those who are struggling in the opposition should join us in the ruling party to move the country forward,” Akpabio said.
In a sharp response, Minority Leader Abba Moro cautioned Akpabio against dismissing the opposition.
“Mr. President, with due respect, you are the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No matter the number that are here, we are capable of holding our own,” Moro said.
He also expressed worry about the rising defections, describing the chamber as “becoming too full.”
Wishing Chukwu well in his new party, the PDP senator remarked, “He came here on the Obedient movement, on a sympathy vote, but that’s a story for another day.”
In his letter, Chukwu explained that his decision followed “extensive consultations with my constituents and political associates.”
He wrote, “Recent developments, including internal wrangling and leadership crises in the Labour Party, have made it difficult for me to effectively represent my people.
“I believe the APC offers a more stable and progressive platform.”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) welcomed the defection, describing it as proof of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Bamidele said, “What is happening is not an accident of history. It’s a direct response to the positive changes under the APC-led government. The economy is improving, and Nigerians are beginning to see results.”
He hinted that more defections could follow, noting, “Every politics is local, and many senators are acting in the interest of their constituents.”
Bamidele, however, assured the opposition that cooperation in the Senate would continue, even as he warned that “more of them may soon join the majority side.”
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