ABUJA — A heated exchange erupted in the Senate on Wednesday between the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Chukwu, who was elected under the LP platform, announced his decision in a formal letter to the Senate, citing internal crises and poor cohesion within his former party. He explained that the Labour Party’s leadership struggles had made it increasingly difficult for him to effectively represent his constituents. According to him, the APC provided a “more stable and progressive platform” for governance and public service.
Following the announcement, the new composition of the Senate now stands at APC – 73 senators, PDP – 28, LP – 4, NNPP – 1, SDP – 1, and APGA – 2, making up a total of 109 members.
Reacting to the defection, Senate President Akpabio mocked the opposition benches, saying he no longer worried about their shrinking numbers. “If they like, let them all move here,” Akpabio said. “Your decision to leave a tattered house is accepted.”
He urged opposition parties to put their houses in order, remarking that “all the political parties are in tatters.” Akpabio, however, dismissed fears of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to register new political parties. He further encouraged struggling opposition members to join the APC “to move the country forward.”
In a swift response, Minority Leader Abba Moro cautioned the Senate President, reminding him of his responsibility as the presiding officer of the entire Senate, not just members of the ruling party. “Mr. President, with due respect, you are the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No matter the number that are here, we are capable of holding our own,” Moro said.
Moro expressed concern over the growing wave of defections, describing the Senate as “becoming too full.” He wished Senator Chukwu well in his new party, while adding, “He came here on the Obedient movement, on a sympathy vote, but that’s a story for another day.”
In his remarks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) praised the defection, saying it reflected the increasing public confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “What is happening is not an accident of history,” Bamidele said. “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.”
He further predicted that more lawmakers could switch allegiance to the ruling party, noting that “every politics is local” and many senators are making political choices that align with the interests of their constituents.
