Three PDP Senators Defect to APC
Three senators from Kebbi State, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The senators, Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), announced their defections in separate letters addressed to the Senate. The letters were read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Each senator cited the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, characterized by unresolved litigations and deep internal divisions, as the primary reason for their decision to switch parties. Prior to the formal announcement, the senators met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, accompanied by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu. The meeting finalized their plans to join the APC.
During the defection proceedings in the Senate, several top APC members, including Ganduje, Idris, and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Tanko Yusuf, were present to welcome the lawmakers. Jibrin congratulated the senators on their decision to align with the ruling party’s vision, describing the defection as a major boost for the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
With these defections, the APC’s representation in the Senate has increased to 68 senators, while the PDP now holds 30 seats. The Labour Party has five senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two, the NNPP has one, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also has one. The total number of senators is currently 107, following the death of former Anambra South Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the departure of Monday Okpebholo.
Ganduje noted that the defections indicate a growing understanding of progressive politics among Nigerians and expressed confidence in future APC victories. The defecting senators exchanged pleasantries with APC senators and were led to their new seats in the Majority section of the chamber.
