Amid the heated debate, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) appeared to concede defeat, breaking into song and sarcastically chanting, “Carry am go, carry am go!”
The Senate has officially announced the defection of Sen. Ned Nwoko (Delta north) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his recent resignation from the opposition party.
His defection letter was read on the Senate floor by President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary.
Reasons for defection: PDP’s internal crisis
In his letter titled “Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Nwoko cited the deepening crisis within the PDP as the primary reason for his decision. He expressed concerns over the party’s internal divisions, lack of leadership, and inability to function as a credible opposition.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.”
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Nwoko warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk due to the instability within the PDP. He cautioned that if urgent steps are not taken to address what he termed a “national emergency,” the country could slide into a dangerous one-party system. He emphasised that history has shown that such a system can be detrimental to governance and national stability.
Stressing on the need for a viable opposition to safeguard Nigeria’s political landscape and ensure a balanced democratic process, he urged the senate to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the ongoing crisis within the PDP.
Opposition challenges Nwoko, cites constitutional breach
Tensions flared as soon as the letter was read PDP senators erupted in protests, opposing his move to the APC, while their APC counterparts celebrated the switch with loud cheers.
In a show of support, APC senators embraced Nwoko, lifted his hands in victory, and paraded him across the chamber, moving from row to row in a dramatic display of political realignment.
Amid the chaos, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, rose to challenge the legality of Nwoko’s defection. Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, Moro argued that since Nwoko had defected from the party that sponsored his election, he should immediately vacate his senate seat.
They cited constitutional provision stipulates that a lawmaker must relinquish their seat if they switch parties unless their defection is due to a division within their original party.
“I feel very sad that one of us has left the party today. We made efforts to ensure he remained in the PDP, though he has his rights as an individual. However, as I am speaking to you now, there is no division in the PDP. He can’t continue to hold on to our seat and his tenure hasn’t expired. The Appeal Court has ruled that Sen. Anyanwu is the secretary of the party. Until the Supreme Court decides otherwise, the PDP has only one national secretary,” he claimed.
Responding to Moro, Akpabio countered that a division in the National Working Committee (NWC) of a political party constituted sufficient grounds for defection.
“Read that order again, Sen. Abba Moro. I want the members to hear you well. Once there is a division in the NWC, then any member can defect. For instance, who is the National Secretary of the PDP?” Akpabio interjected.
Backing Akpabio’s stance, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, also dismissed Moro’s argument that the PDP remained a united party. Relying on the same Section 68(g) of the Constitution, Jibrin maintained that a party’s fractionalisation provided an immediate legal basis for defection.
He said, “Everyone in this country knows the PDP has the Wike faction and the Bala Mohammed faction. So, what we have done by allowing Sen. Nwoko to defect is in line with our constitution. Even a child knows that the PDP is divided,” he added.
Further reinforcing the APC’s position, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele argued that the right of lawmakers to defect was clearly enshrined in both the Constitution and Senate rules. He accused the PDP caucus of attempting to intimidate opposition lawmakers who might be considering crossing over to the ruling party.
“The right of every lawmaker to defect is guaranteed by the constitution and under our own rules. The conditions for such a defection to happen are well captured by the constitution. There is a sharp division in the PDP today with two factions leading the party. What the PDP lawmakers are doing now is an attempt to distract us and to distract other members of the PDP and opposition parties who may want to join the APC,” Bamidele claimed.
Amid the heated debate, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) appeared to concede defeat, breaking into song and sarcastically chanting, “Carry am go, carry am go!” This gesture drew laughter from the senators.
Despite protests from the PDP caucus, Akpabio upheld Nwoko’s defection, ruling out any attempts to challenge the move.
Political implications and senate composition
Nwoko’s defection represents another significant political realignment in Nigeria, reflecting the ongoing shifts in the country’s political landscape. His move to the APC further strengthens the ruling party’s majority in the Senate.
Parliament Reports notes that acording to the latest membership composition of the 10th Senate:
•APC now has 64 senators
•PDP has 33 senators
•Labour Party (LP) has 5 senators
•New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has 2 senators
•Social Democratic Party (SDP) has 2 senators
•All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has 1 senator
This brings the total number of sitting senators to 107, with two seats currently vacant. The Anambra South seat remains unoccupied following the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, while the Edo Central seat is vacant due to Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s election as Governor of Edo State.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Delta North district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Nwoko throughout the 10th senate here.
One comment
Ukeme Anwan
February 6, 2025 at 9:40 am
My opinion is that Nigeria should make strong systems not strong individuals. By this constitutions while be viewed from the eyes of it benefits to the citizens and overall well-being of the Nigerians at home and diaspora. Today because of weak system we are repatriated in many countries to come and build our country. Political opposition is the only ways to normalise the leadership structure of the ruling party but once we get to one party system, Nigeria is finished.