Three senators from Kebbi State, previously elected on the platform of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The senators—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—announced their defection on Tuesday through letters addressed to the Senate. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), presided over the reading of the letters on the floor of the upper chamber.

Their announcement sparked immediate reactions in the chamber, leading to a brief period of commotion and loud exchanges that lasted for over fifteen minutes.

The defection raises the number of APC senators in the 10th National Assembly to 68, consolidating the party’s dominance in the Senate. The new composition of the Senate is as follows: APC – 68, PDP – 30, Labour Party – 5, NNPP – 2, SDP – 2, and APGA – 1.

The senators were welcomed with chants and applause as they were escorted to the majority wing of the chamber. Dignitaries present at the session included APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, and Senator Uche Ekwunife.

Reacting to the development, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) described the defections as a demonstration of democratic freedom, stating that the ruling party’s doors remain open to others.

“This is the beauty of democracy,” Bamidele said. “No one is being coerced. These are voluntary decisions by individuals who believe in our platform.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin echoed the sentiment, calling the move a “homecoming” for the three senators, who he described as founding members of the APC.