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The Senate chamber witnessed high political drama on Wednesday as two senators from Osun State, Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi formally announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was made public through letters read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
In a rare move, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow Ajibola Basiru, the APC National Secretary; Chris Ngige, former Minister and ex-Governor of Anambra State; the Osun State APC Chairman; and several members of the House of Representatives into the chamber to witness the occasion.
Senator Fadahunsi, in his resignation letter, cited deepening internal crises, prolonged litigations, and a lack of leadership in the PDP as reasons for his exit.
Fadahunsi said, “As a ranking senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I believe in the principles the APC upholds and I’m eager to contribute actively to the betterment of our dear country.
“I have closely followed the Renewed Hope Agenda and have been deeply impressed by its commitment to inclusivity, environmental sustainability, education, and social welfare.”
Senator Fadahunsi declared his full alignment with the APC and its vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His colleague, Fadeyi, also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the APC, praising the party’s ideology and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but I feel compelled to do so due to the unresolved internal crisis, various litigations, and lack of leadership at the apex of the PDP,” he said.
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“These issues have led to widespread disaffection and mistrust, making it very challenging to serve my constituents effectively. The fractured PDP can no longer provide the dividends of democracy be it in infrastructure, development, education, health, or employment.”
He emphasised that the party had become plagued by violence, factionalism, and competing interests.
“Numerous court cases have tarnished the party’s image, disrupted its mission, and fractured the umbrella. The absence of effective leadership has weakened the entire party structure.”
“I am joining the progressives the ruling party in Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress. I am proud to represent the Central Senatorial District of Osun State under the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Senate President, visibly pleased, congratulated the defectors and welcomed the APC delegation into the chambers.
He commended the APC National Secretary and other party leaders for their presence.
“Before you came, I read numerous letters from the opposition joining the APC. We did our best to receive them properly on behalf of the party,” Akpabio said.
With the defection of the two Osun senators, the PDP loses more ground in the Senate, while the APC continues to consolidate its numerical advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Minister Chris Ngige and other APC chieftains were also recognized in the chamber and later joined a celebratory photo session with the new APC senators.
