Senate Drama: Akpabio Taunts Opposition as Senator Chukwu Defects to APC

The Nigerian Senate witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday as Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Chukwu’s defection comes amid internal wrangling and leadership crises within the Labour Party, which he cited as the reason for his decision to leave.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Chukwu to the APC, congratulating the party’s senators on gaining a strong senatorial district in Enugu. Akpabio also taunted the opposition, saying, “I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria. But where they are not able to organise themselves and all the political parties are in tatters, then the right thing for them to do is to join me so that we can together move this country forward” .

However, Minority Leader Abba Moro fired back, expressing his party’s resolve despite the defections. Moro said, “Without prejudice to some achievements that Mr. President has made, I want to say that no matter the number that are here, we are capable of holding our own.” He also questioned Chukwu’s decision, stating that he didn’t consult with him before defecting .

With Chukwu’s defection, the APC now holds 73 seats in the Senate, solidifying its two-thirds majority. The Labour Party is left with only four senators, while the PDP retains 28 seats. The defection marks another blow to the opposition camp, following similar defections from four PDP senators in recent months .

Chukwu cited internal divisions and destabilization within the Labour Party as the reasons for his defection. He stated that the party’s crisis had weakened its capacity to function as a credible opposition platform. Akpabio welcomed Chukwu’s decision, saying it reflected the APC’s commitment to progress and development .