Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a major shake-up on Thursday as nine senators abandoned their parties to join the African Democratic Congress, a move seen as one of the most notable shifts in the Nigerian Senate in recent months.

The defections were officially announced during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read letters from the lawmakers confirming their decision to switch political allegiance.

Those leaving the Peoples Democratic Party include Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central).

From the Labour Party, Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) also crossed over, while Enyinnaya Abaribe left the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

Explaining his decision, Tambuwal cited deepening internal divisions within the PDP. “The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, litigations, and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my active participation and commitment as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The ongoing conflicts have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party. Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress,” the letter read.

Senate leadership, however, said it would review the circumstances surrounding Abaribe’s move, giving him one week to reconsider amid questions about whether his claim of removal from APGA leadership structures in September 2025 meets constitutional requirements for defection.

Following the development, the Senate’s composition now stands at: All Progressives Congress with 85 senators, ADC with 9, PDP with 8, New Nigeria Peoples Party with 1, National Democratic Coalition with 1, APGA with 1, and Social Democratic Party with 1. Three seats remain vacant after the deaths of Barinada Mpigi, Godiya Akwashiki, and Okey Ezea.

The wave of defections comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and David Mark linked to a coalition seeking to strengthen opposition forces against the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027 for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls will follow on February 6, 2027, after the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.