In a major political shift, all three senators representing Kebbi State in the National Assembly formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
The lawmakers—Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—announced their defection on the floor of the Senate, further weakening the PDP’s presence in the upper legislative chamber.
Their defection raises the number of APC senators in the 10th National Assembly to 68, while the PDP now holds 30 seats, down from 33. The move marks the latest in a wave of defections that have hit Nigeria’s main opposition party in recent months.
The current composition of the Senate now stands as follows: APC – 68 seats, PDP – 30 seats, Labour Party (LP) – 5 seats, Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2 seats, and one senator each for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Two seats remain vacant due to the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) and the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) as Governor of Edo State.
The mass defection is expected to further consolidate the ruling party’s legislative strength and could significantly influence the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the PDP must urgently address internal discontent and party cohesion to stem the tide of defections and remain a viable opposition.
