Senator Akpabio Denies APC Role in Defections as Nine Senators Join ADC

A fresh political shift has emerged in the Nigerian Senate as nine lawmakers from different opposition parties formally joined the African Democratic Congress.

According to a report by Punch on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the development was announced during Thursday’s plenary session where the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read their letters notifying the chamber of their decision to change political affiliation.

Among the senators who switched to the ADC are Aminu Waziri Tambuwal representing Sokoto South and Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South.

Others include Binos Yaroe from Adamawa South, Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central, and Tony Nwoye of Anambra North.

The list also features Lawal Usman of Kaduna Central, Ogoshi Onawo representing Nasarawa South, Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, and Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory.

The defections were linked to internal disagreements and legal disputes within some opposition parties.

In explaining his decision, Nwoye indicated that ongoing litigations and internal conflicts had weakened unity and stability within the Labour Party, prompting his departure.

Responding to the wave of defections, Akpabio dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress played a role in influencing the lawmakers’ decisions

He noted that the defecting senators previously belonged to several different political parties, suggesting that their moves reflected broader internal issues within those groups.

The latest shift has further altered the balance of representation in the Senate.

The APC still holds a dominant majority with 87 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party now has seven senators.