By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Four senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), intensifying political realignments in Nigeria’s National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during Senate plenary in Abuja on Thursday, March 12, 2026, when Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, read their defection letters on the floor of the chamber.
The lawmakers who defected include Amos Yohanna, representing Adamawa North; Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central; Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, representing Zamfara Central; and Sahabi Yau, representing Zamfara North.
In their letters to the Senate, the lawmakers cited persistent internal crises, factional disputes, and leadership struggles within the PDP as the major reasons for abandoning the opposition party. They argued that the instability within the party had made it difficult to effectively represent their constituents and pursue legislative priorities.
The defections further strengthen the APC’s influence in the Senate and weaken the numerical strength of the PDP in the upper legislative chamber. Political analysts say the development reflects growing political realignments across Nigeria as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
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