Politics
Tension Over Abaribe’s Defection as Nine Senators Dump Parties for ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections
Tension erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday following the defection of Enyinnaya Abaribe from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as nine senators formally announced their move to the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were disclosed during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the letters of the lawmakers informing the chamber of their decisions to leave their former parties.
The development immediately triggered debate among senators, particularly over the legality of Abaribe’s defection, with some lawmakers raising constitutional concerns.
Abaribe’s Move Sparks Controversy
Abaribe’s decision to leave APGA drew sharp reactions from some senators who questioned whether his defection complied with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which restricts lawmakers from switching parties unless there is a division within their party.
Following the objections, the Senate leadership reportedly gave Abaribe until the next plenary to reconsider or clarify his position, as tensions rose in the chamber.
Nine Senators Join ADC
Despite the controversy, nine senators officially announced their defection to the ADC, a move that significantly boosts the party’s presence in the Senate.
The lawmakers defected from the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and APGA.
The senators include:
South-East
- Tony Nwoye – Anambra North (LP → ADC)
- Enyinnaya Abaribe – Abia South (APGA → ADC)
- Victor Umeh – Anambra Central (LP → ADC)
- Austin Akobundu – Abia Central (PDP → ADC)
North-East / North-West
- Binos Yaroe – Adamawa South (PDP → ADC)
- Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – Sokoto South (PDP → ADC)
- Lawal Usman – Kaduna Central (PDP → ADC)
North-Central
- Ogoshi Onawo – Nasarawa South (PDP → ADC)
- Ireti Kingibe – Federal Capital Territory (LP → ADC)
ADC Emerges Stronger in Senate
With the latest defections, the ADC now has nine senators, making it the fifth-largest party in the Senate and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tambuwal Cites PDP Crisis
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, attributed his decision to leave the PDP to the party’s internal crises and leadership disagreements.
Tambuwal said the ADC offers a credible platform focused on integrity, accountability and national development, adding that he believes the party can play a major role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Defections Spread to House of Representatives
The wave of defections was not limited to the Senate, as reports indicated that 11 members of the House of Representatives also switched parties.
Political observers say the development reflects deepening fractures within the opposition, particularly within the PDP, while also positioning the ADC as a growing political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
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