In a surprising turn of events, the Senate is bracing itself for a significant upheaval as reports suggest that 22 senators from the All Progressives Congress (APC) are preparing to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If this defection materializes, it will result in a power shift within the Senate, granting the major opposition party the majority in the Red Chamber.
According to a senator from the Northwest region, who disclosed this development, the APC senators have formed an alliance with their counterparts who remain loyal to Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former contender for the Senate President position but was ultimately defeated by Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The source further revealed that these 22 senators have conducted a series of meetings in Abuja and London, solidifying their commitment to switching allegiance to the PDP. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the composition of the Senate.
Currently, out of the 109 legislators in the Senate, the APC holds 59 seats, while the PDP has 36. The remaining seats are divided among other political parties. Should the 22 APC senators proceed with their plan, the PDP’s numbers would rise to 58, reducing the APC to 37, effectively establishing the PDP as the majority party in the Senate.
To execute their strategy, the PDP senators have agreed to offer the position of Senate President to one of the 22 defecting senators from the APC, as well as the role of Deputy Senate President. In return, the PDP senators would secure the positions of Majority Leader, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip, ensuring a cooperative working relationship with the Yari group.
Furthermore, it has come to light that senators not aligned with Senator Akpabio have been excluded from the ongoing committee selections in the Senate. This exclusion has further strengthened their resolve to support the PDP in their bid to assume leadership positions in the upper chamber.
Recalling the recent Senate presidential election on June 13, Senator Akpabio emerged victorious with 46 votes, while Senator Yari secured 17 votes. This victory positioned Senator Akpabio as the Senate President, a position that may be at risk if the anticipated defection occurs.
The political landscape in the Senate appears poised for a seismic shift as 22 APC senators plot their move to join the PDP. This development has set the stage for a potential redistribution of power and influence within the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
