The All Progressives Congress (APC) has further strengthened its dominance in the Nigerian Senate after two serving senators from Taraba State—Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North) and Haruna Manu (Taraba Central)—defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party on Wednesday.
The defections were formally announced on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read separate resignation letters from both lawmakers.
In his letter, titled “Notification of Resignation,” Senator Haruna Manu explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders, as well as a thorough evaluation of current political realities and the developmental needs of his people.
“I have become convinced that my conscience and contributions to the legislative and developmental agenda of my nation will be better advanced on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,” Manu stated. He requested that his defection be officially recorded in the Senate’s proceedings.
Similarly, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau cited growing concerns over the internal direction and challenges within the PDP, stating that he believed the APC better aligned with his values and vision for effective representation.
Both senators were warmly welcomed and embraced by members of the APC Senate Caucus following the announcement.
Senate President Akpabio playfully taunted the opposition, particularly Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, asking him to comment on the repeated defections from the PDP to the APC.
“I am sure Abba Moro has something to say about this. So please proceed,” Akpabio said.
In response, Senator Moro downplayed the impact, describing the moves as typical political ambition rather than a reflection on the PDP. He expressed sadness that some colleagues had left with what he called “his mandate” and questioned the claim of wide consultations, noting that the minority leadership was not informed.
Moro insisted that he would continue to lead the minority caucus until the end of the 10th Senate, regardless of the reduced numbers.
Akpabio lightheartedly dismissed the remarks, joking that “leadership remains leadership even if one is leading yourself,” before thanking Moro for his contribution.
With the latest defections, the APC now controls 81 seats in the 109-member Senate. The PDP holds 21 seats, the Labour Party has 2, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have 2 each, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has 1. Two seats remain vacant following the deaths of Senators Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) and Okey Ezea (Enugu North).
The APC’s supermajority—exceeding the two-thirds threshold (73 seats)—gives it significant legislative leverage, including the ability to override vetoes, amend the constitution (with House concurrence), and advance key executive bills with minimal opposition resistance.
The defections continue a pattern of opposition lawmakers crossing to the ruling party since the 2023 elections, often attributed to factors such as access to federal resources, patronage networks, political survival, and perceived ineffectiveness of opposition platforms.
