Senate President Godswill Akpabio read letters from nine senators who joined the African Democratic Congress during Thursday’s plenary. The senators included Aminu Tambuwal from the Peoples Democratic Party, Victor Umeh from the Labour Party and Enyinnaya Abaribe from the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin however raised a point of order under Senate Standing Rules Order 20. Barau Jibrin said Abaribe’s letter showed no division in APGA. He cited Section 68(1)(b) and (g) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires a lawmaker to vacate the seat upon defection unless the party split or merged.
Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, supported the concern. Oshiomhole said APGA has one chairman and a functioning executive council with no court case.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe defended the move. He said he received a sack letter from APGA in September 2025. Abaribe added that the constitution demands lawmakers belong to a political party to retain their seats. He argued the provision does not apply to a sacked member.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele suggested the chamber refer Abaribe’s letter to the National Assembly Legal Department and external solicitors. Bamidele said if Abaribe insists, the senate must invoke relevant constitutional provisions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio gave Abaribe until the next sitting to reconsider or provide further justification. Akpabio said the constitution empowers him to act without court intervention.
The Senate therefore agreed to review the legality of Abaribe’s defection before any further decision. The move left ADC with nine senators as the new minority bloc.
