The political balance in the Nigerian Senate shifted on Wednesday following the defection of two senators from Taraba State, Shuaibu Isa Lau and Haruna Manu, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The defections were formally announced during plenary, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Haruna Manu, who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District, notified the Senate of his decision through a letter declaring his resignation from the PDP and defection to the APC.
In the letter, Manu attributed his decision to what he described as an “irreconcilable internal crisis” within the PDP, as well as the need to better pursue the developmental interests of his constituents.
He stated that joining the APC would provide a more effective platform for his legislative and development-focused goals.
“I have become convinced that my continued stay in my current party and my contribution to the legislative and developmental agenda of our nation will be better advanced on the platform of the APC,” Senator Manu wrote, requesting that his defection be duly reflected in the Senate’s official records.
Similarly, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, representing Taraba North Senatorial District, also announced his exit from the PDP for the APC. In his defection letter, Lau said his decision was informed by the alignment of the ruling party’s ideals with his commitment to serving his constituents and the country.
“I have come before this honorable chamber to formally inform you of my decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect,” he wrote, adding that the move would enable him to serve more effectively.
The twin defections come amid sustained political realignments in the Senate as lawmakers reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the exit of the two Taraba senators, the PDP’s representation in the upper chamber has further declined to 19 seats, down from the 36 it held at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly. In contrast, the APC’s strength has increased to 82 seats, reinforcing its commanding majority in the Senate.
Reacting to the development, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, expressed disappointment over the defections, describing them as a betrayal of the mandate freely given by voters.
He lamented the trend of post-election party switches by lawmakers.
“While my colleagues on this side of the aisle have suddenly discovered that there is a ‘progressive’ party after the election, I want to say at this juncture that I feel a bit sad,” Moro said.
Despite his concerns, Moro affirmed his resolve to continue leading the Minority Caucus, stressing that political relevance is not determined solely by numerical strength.
The defections of Senators Lau and Manu are part of a broader wave of party realignments in the Senate. Plateau North Senator, Pam Dachungyang, also recently joined the APC after leaving the Action Democratic Party (ADP), citing prolonged internal disputes that hampered his ability to represent his constituents. His decision, he said, followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency.
Overall, the APC has expanded its presence in the Senate from 59 seats at the beginning of the 10th National Assembly to 82, while the PDP has continued to lose ground. Smaller parties such as the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have also seen sharp declines, with the Labour Party’s representation dropping from eight senators to three.
The atmosphere in the Senate chamber was celebratory following the defections, as APC senators welcomed the new members. Group photographs were taken at the Senate podium with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The latest defections underscore the ongoing political recalibration ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC consolidating its dominance in the Senate. As the PDP’s numbers continue to shrink, questions remain over the party’s future influence in the national legislature and the broader political landscape.
