The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost four of its senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that further cements APC’s majority hold in the National Assembly.
The defectors include Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South), whose switch now raises APC’s Senate count to 70.
Citing irreconcilable internal divisions and political shifts in their constituencies, the lawmakers said the decision was based on the need to realign with evolving political interests.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, in his resignation letter, described the PDP’s structure as “fractured beyond redemption,” adding, “This decision has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments… within the party structure.”
Senator Ekong echoed a similar sentiment, noting, “Politics is a game of interest. The earth has moved in Akwa Ibom, and my people expect commensurate rewards from the APC power matrix.”
The defections have drawn sharp reactions, particularly from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who criticised the trend as emotion-driven rather than strategic.
“A lot of people are leaving the party now, and leaving with anger,” Saraki said at a PDP consultative meeting in Abuja.
“Yes, we have problems. But the question remains, should we abandon this party because of these challenges?”
Saraki urged party faithful to remain committed to rebuilding the PDP, describing the defections as shortsighted.
“History will not be fair to any of us if, under our watch, this party goes down,” he warned.
The developments come as the PDP navigates growing internal dissatisfaction, just as both major parties position themselves for the 2027 general elections.
