There seems to be near absolute majority for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nigerian Senate as the party’s numerical strength of its lawmakers increased to 70 on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025 following the defection of four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), reports the Business Today NG.
The senators—Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)—formally announced their exit from the PDP during plenary.
Their resignation letters were read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who directed the Clerk of the Senate to officially record the defections.
With the latest developmement, the composition of the 10th Senate now stands as follows: APC 70, PDP 28, Labour Party 5, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 1, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 1.
The defections were witnessed by top APC officials, including the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Minister of Labour and Productivity Senator Chris Ngige, and some members of the House of Representatives who were present in solidarity.
Political observers are of the view that development is a major political upset for the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, historically considered a party stronghold. Conversely, the APC is expected to consolidate further control in the region.
In his resignation letter, Senator Aniekan Bassey invoked Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution and said his defection was “deeply considered” and “imperative.”
“This decision has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption,” he wrote.
