The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved significantly closer to achieving a two-thirds majority in the Nigerian Senate following the defection of four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators. The defectors include Sampson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Fadeyi Olubiyi (Osun Central).
Their departure was formally announced during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
The senators attributed their defection to ongoing internal crises and poor leadership within the PDP, which they claim have hindered effective representation of their constituencies.
With this shift, the APC now holds 70 out of 109 Senate seats—just three short of the 73 required for a two-thirds majority. This number is crucial for passing constitutional amendments and making key legislative decisions without opposition support.
Political analysts warn that this development could tip the balance of power decisively in favour of the ruling party. If APC secures three more seats—whether through future defections, by-elections, or political negotiations—it will possess near-unchecked legislative authority.
Meanwhile, opposition parties including the PDP and Labour Party are facing mounting pressure to regroup and prevent further erosion of their parliamentary strength.
