Tension In Senate: Akpabio, Moro Trade Words Over Mass Defection Of Lawmakers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP–Benue South) clashed on Wednesday during a tense plenary session over the increasing defection of opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The confrontation followed the formal defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Chukwu attributed his move to the “collapse of internal democracy and lack of cohesion” within his former party.

With his defection, the composition of the Senate now stands as follows: APC – 73 senators; PDP – 28; LP – 4; NNPP – 1; SDP – 1; and APGA – 2, bringing the total membership to 109.

After reading Chukwu’s defection letter, Akpabio mocked the opposition benches, declaring that their shrinking numbers were no longer a threat.

“If they like, let them all move here. Your decision to leave a tattered house is accepted,” Akpabio quipped, adding that the opposition must reorganize itself.

He assured that Nigeria would not become a one-party state, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to register new political parties.

“But those struggling in the opposition should join us in the ruling party to move the country forward,” he added.

However, Minority Leader Abba Moro fired back, cautioning Akpabio against ridiculing the opposition.

“Mr. President, with due respect, you are the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No matter our number, we are capable of holding our own,” Moro asserted.

He also expressed concern over the growing number of defections, describing the chamber as “becoming too full.”

Wishing Chukwu well in his new party, Moro remarked, “He came here on the Obedient movement, on a sympathy vote, but that’s a story for another day.”

In his defection letter, Chukwu stated that his decision was made after “extensive consultations with constituents and political associates,” adding that internal crises in the Labour Party had hindered his performance.

“I believe the APC offers a more stable and progressive platform,” he wrote.

Reacting, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC–Ekiti Central) welcomed Chukwu’s move, describing it as evidence of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

“What is happening is not an accident of history. It’s a direct response to the positive changes under the APC-led government. The economy is improving, and Nigerians are beginning to see results,” Bamidele said.

He hinted that more defections may follow, stressing that “every politics is local, and many senators are acting in the interest of their constituents.”

Bamidele, however, assured that the Senate would continue to work harmoniously despite partisan differences, though he warned that “more opposition senators may soon cross over to the majority side.”