By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The All Progressives Congress (APC), has strengthened its dominance in the Senate, now holding 72 of 109 seats, following the defection of Senator Ahmed Wadada from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), back to the ruling party.
Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West and chairs the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, confirmed his return in a letter dated September 2 to the APC chairman of his Tudun Kofa Ward.
His move reduces the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to 28 seats, while the Labour Party retains 5, APGA 2, and both the NNPP and SDP 1 each.
The senator left the APC in 2022 to pursue his ambition under the SDP, where he won in the 2023 elections.
Explaining his decision to return, he said it followed “careful consideration” and a desire to contribute to the party’s growth.
His defection comes amid a series of high-profile exits from the PDP. Two months ago, four PDP senators: Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South), crossed to the APC, citing internal crises and fractured structures within the opposition party.
Senator Bassey described his move as constitutionally justified, pointing to “irreparable divisions” in the PDP, while Ekong linked his decision to political realignments in Akwa Ibom State.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed the new members, declaring: “This cannot be the end, more are coming.”
With 72 senators, the APC now commands a supermajority, giving it significant leverage over legislation, leadership positions, and constitutional amendments requiring two-thirds support.