BREAKING: Sen. Iya Abbas, 3 Other PDP Senators Defect to APC

By Tgnews Reporter

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has received a significant boost in the Senate as four senators formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further weakening the main opposition party’s presence in the upper chamber.

The defections were announced during Tuesday and Wednesday plenary sessions, with letters read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The latest wave includes: Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central); Senator Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North) and Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis (Zamfara North/Central – reports vary slightly on exact district but confirmed as Zamfara)

These three senators’ resignation letters from the PDP were read on the floor on Wednesday, March 11, citing ongoing internal crises, divisions, and multiple court cases plaguing the PDP at the national level as key reasons for their move to the APC.

This follows closely on the heels of Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Rivers West), who defected from the PDP to the APC on Tuesday, March 10. Banigo’s move was linked to aligning with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The defections come amid a broader trend of PDP erosion, following recent high-profile exits including governors from states like Adamawa (Ahmadu Fintiri), Zamfara (Dauda Lawal), and others who have switched to the APC in recent months. Analysts point to unresolved leadership tussles and factional battles within the PDP as driving factors.

With these changes, the PDP’s Senate caucus has reportedly shrunk to around 14 members, while the APC continues to consolidate its majority ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The moves are seen as strategic realignments, particularly in states where governors have already crossed over, aiming to foster harmony between executive and legislative arms at both state and federal levels.

Community and political reactions are mixed, with supporters hailing the defections as steps toward national unity and development, while PDP loyalists decry them as opportunistic carpet-crossing.

The Senate President acknowledged the letters without objection, allowing the senators to continue in their roles under the new party affiliation.

Further details on potential impacts to committee assignments or legislative dynamics are expected as the National Assembly session progresses.

This development underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics as parties position themselves for the upcoming electoral cycle. More updates to follow as reactions pour in from party leaders and stakeholders.