The defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ned Munir Nwoko to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has bolstered the ruling party’s dominance in the Senate, increasing its seat count to 64.
With this latest shift, the composition of the 10th Senate now stands as follows: APC holds 64 seats, PDP has 33, Labour Party (LP) holds five, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has two, Social Democratic Party (SDP) also has two, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds one.
This brings the total number of serving senators to 107, with two seats remaining vacant.
The Anambra South Senatorial District seat is unoccupied following Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death, while the Edo Central seat remains vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as Edo State governor.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Nwoko’s defection letter during plenary.
In his letter, titled “Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Nwoko attributed his decision to the internal crisis within the PDP in Delta State.
Nwoko further called on the Senate to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the PDP crisis, warning that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state if the opposition continues to weaken.
However, Minority Leader Abba Moro countered Nwoko’s justification, insisting that no division in the PDP warranted his defection.