Nine senators on Thursday announced their defection from various political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has altered the composition of the Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters of defection during plenary.
Among those who defected is Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto South, who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC.

Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, also joined the ADC after leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, citing the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

In his letter, Umeh said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, constituents, and supporters.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.

Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa South, also left the PDP for the ADC, stating that his move was driven by his commitment to democratic values and good governance.

“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” Onawo said.

Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), defected from the Labour Party to the ADC.

Others who joined the ADC include Austin Akobundu, senator representing Abia Central, who left the PDP; Tony Nwoye, senator representing Anambra North, who defected from the Labour Party; Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa South, who also left the PDP; and Lawal Adamu Usman, senator representing Kaduna Central, who moved from the PDP.

In his letter, Usman said his decision was aimed at advancing the democratic and developmental aspirations of his constituents.

“I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and developmental interests of the people,” he said.

Following the defections, the composition of the Senate now stands at: All Progressives Congress (APC) — 85 seats; African Democratic Congress (ADC) — 9; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — 1; National Democratic Coalition (NDC) — 1; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — 1; and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — 1.

Three Senate seats remain vacant following the deaths of Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East; Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North; and Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North.

As expected the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitched his political tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Tambuwal made the announcement in the early hours of Thursday through a statement posted on X, confirming that he had formally resigned from the PDP and communicated his decision in writing to his ward chairman before aligning with the ADC alongside his loyalists and political associates.

“Today, after deep reflection and consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing,” he said.

The former Sokoto governor blamed his exit on the PDP’s lingering internal crisis, leadership wrangling, and widening divisions that he said have eroded the unity and direction that once defined the party.

According to him, the persistent turmoil within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain part of the party.

Tambuwal, however, acknowledged the role the PDP played in his political rise, a journey that saw him emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives before serving two consecutive terms as Governor of Sokoto State.

Despite the history, he said the party’s internal deterioration had made continued membership untenable.

Explaining his decision to join the ADC, Tambuwal said he believes the platform offers a fresh path for democratic progress and national development.

“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development,” he stated.

Tambuwal also reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, justice, and national unity.

His defection comes amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections, including the recent move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the ADC—developments analysts say could significantly boost the party’s profile and reshape the opposition landscape in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, describing them as key pillars for the country’s unity and stability.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inter-faith breaking of the fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President said strengthening internal democracy within political parties is essential for building credible electoral institutions and processes in the country. He added that direct primaries would give party members greater opportunity to participate in choosing their representatives at various levels of governance.

Tinubu described himself as a committed democrat who had been part of the struggle to restore democratic rule in Nigeria.

According to him, “Some of us were bruised struggling for democracy. We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations and even went into exile. We formed NADECO and remained committed to a united Nigeria.”

He stressed that under his administration there would be no threat to democratic principles and that the rule of law would continue to prevail.

“The majority will have their way while the minority will have their say. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” he said.

The President also assured political party leaders of his commitment to conducting free and fair elections, noting that democracy thrives on voluntary participation and respect for established rules.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Tinubu for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of the country’s human and material resources.

He expressed appreciation to the President for hosting the leadership of the APC and other political parties for the Ramadan fast-breaking and pledged the party’s continued support for his administration.

Also speaking, Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number as a requirement for voter registration under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.

Dantalle warned that the requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters and also raised concerns about the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the new law.

He further appealed for the restoration of financial support from the Independent National Electoral Commission to political parties.

Dantalle also informed the President about a documentary titled “Unbroken Democracy” produced to mark 26 years of democratic governance in Nigeria. The film, supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere at the State House soon.