By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 23, 2025 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday tightened its grip on the 10th Senate as four senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected, raising the ruling party’s Senate strength to 70.
The defectors—Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South)—announced their exit from the PDP during plenary. Their letters of resignation were read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently instructed the Senate Clerk to update the chamber’s records.
The updated party composition in the Senate is now:
- APC – 70
- PDP – 28
- Labour Party – 5
- Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 1
- All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 1
Wednesday’s defections, witnessed by top APC chieftains including the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and former Labour Minister Senator Chris Ngige, have dealt a major blow to the PDP, especially in Akwa Ibom—long regarded as a stronghold of the opposition.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, in his resignation letter, cited irreconcilable internal party crises and invoked Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Constitution to justify his switch. “This decision has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the fractured party structure,” he said, noting that the move was in the “overall interest” of his constituents.
His colleague, Senator Samson Ekong, echoed similar sentiments, attributing his defection to shifting political dynamics in Akwa Ibom. “Politics is a game of interest—and circumstances,” Ekong said, referencing the recent defection of Governor Pastor Umoh Eno to the APC and the realignment of key political figures in the state.
Senate President Akpabio, himself a former governor of Akwa Ibom and a prominent APC leader, welcomed the new members with characteristic flair. “Senator Aniekan Bassey has now joined the APC. I welcome him with open arms. He has depleted the rank and file of the left-hand side to populate the right-hand side,” he declared.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the defections as a sign of more to come. “I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This cannot be the end—more are coming,” he said.
The development marks a significant consolidation of power for the APC in the legislature and signals growing momentum for the party ahead of future political battles.
