Three PDP Senators Defect To APC, Citing Party Crisis

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions and leadership crises within their former party.

The senators—Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North), Aminu Abbas (Adamawa Central), and Aliyu Bilbis (Zamfara North)—had their letters of defection read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Amos Yohanna said his decision to leave the PDP followed prolonged and unresolved divisions at the national level, which he said had “significantly impaired its cohesion and effective functioning.”

“The persistent crisis has created a structural fracture within the party, affecting its national leadership and operational stability,” Yohanna said, noting that his defection is in accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows lawmakers to retain their seats when leaving a party due to divisions at the national level.

Aminu Abbas also cited the PDP’s leadership tussles and internal crises as reasons for his defection.

“This move is pursuant to the provisions of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, which permits a member of the National Assembly to defect to another party where there is a division in the national leadership of the party that sponsored their election,” Abbas said.

He added that ongoing court cases and factional disputes had created uncertainty about the party’s stability, prompting his decision to join the APC.

Aliyu Bilbis said his defection followed consultations with political associates and stakeholders, as well as the need to align with the federal government.

“The difficult but very necessary decision comes after extensive consultations with my political associates and key stakeholders within my constituency and beyond,” Bilbis said.

“My primary allegiance remains to the good people of my senatorial district, to whom I owe my allegiance and respect,” he added.

With the defections, the APC has strengthened its representation in the Senate, while the PDP faces renewed questions over its internal cohesion and leadership stability.

The configuration of senators by party now, compared to June 2023 when the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated, is as follows: APC – 84 (up from 59); PDP – 14 (down from 36); Labour Party – 0 (down from 8); NNPP – 1 (down from 2); SDP – 0 (down from 2); APGA – 1; ADC – 5 (previously 0); and NDC – 1 (Senator Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa West).
The total number of serving senators is now 106 out of the constitutional 109.

The three vacant seats are: Nasarawa North, vacant due to the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki; Enugu North, vacant following the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea; and Rivers South East, vacant due to the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi.

These changes reflect a significant political realignment in the Senate, with the APC consolidating its majority.