Politics
Another Defection Boosts APC to Two-Thirds Majority in Nigerian Senate
The Nigerian Senate’s opposition has taken another hit following the defection of Senator Kaila Sumaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North, who officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move increases the APC’s Senate strength to 73 members, granting the party a critical two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber.
The defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially with just 14 months remaining before the 2026 general elections.
In a notice read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Kaila attributed his decision to the “prolonged internal division, crisis, and loss of strategic direction and leadership” within the PDP, signaling deep-rooted challenges within the opposition party.
Senator Kaila’s defection comes on the heels of a similar move last week by Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party, who also abandoned the opposition to join the APC. These consecutive defections have dealt a blow to the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party effectively in the Senate.
With the APC now holding an absolute two-thirds majority, it gains increased legislative influence, including the power to pass constitutional amendments without needing support from other parties. This shift could significantly impact the legislative agenda and political balance as the country gears up for the next general elections.
The opposition is now left with a diminished presence: the PDP holds 27 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has 4 senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) controls 2 seats—including Senator Aliyu Wadada, who has yet to formally declare his defection to the APC—while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds 2 seats and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains 1.
Political analysts warn that this trend of defections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics and weaken the opposition’s ability to serve as a strong check on the ruling party’s power in the lead-up to 2026. Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate its hold on the Senate, positioning itself for a smoother path in advancing its legislative priorities.
Politics
2027 Election: Yusuf eyes governorship ticket under APC
Yusuf was received into the APC by top party leaders, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; alongside other senior party officials.
•Abba Yusuf
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, today officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying:
” My decision to return to the APC was driven by the need to work more closely with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to accelerate development in Kano State.”
Yusuf was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
He later resigned from the party along with several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, paving the way for his return to the APC.
Yusuf was received into the APC by top party leaders, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; alongside other senior party officials.
Mallam Abba Abubakar, a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally received his membership card of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his registration at the ward level in Adamawa State.
The Adamawa State chapter of the APC has confirmed Abba Abubakar’s successful integration into the party, marking his official defection from previous political affiliations.
This development comes after reports of his formal defection to the ruling party, with reports indicating that the membership registration process was completed at his ward.
Abba Abubakar, also referred to as Abba Atiku in some reports, has publicly expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu, declaring that no party or individual is positioned to defeat him in the 2027 presidential election.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described his son’s decision as a personal choice, emphasizing democratic freedoms. In statements attributed to him, Atiku noted that in a democracy, individuals including family members are entitled to make independent political decisions without coercion.
The move has sparked discussions across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly given Atiku’s own recent association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the presence of another son, Adamu, serving as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Adamawa State government.
Details later….
Politics
Why I’m Returning Back to APC – Yusuf
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, will on Monday join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, will on Monday join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
This new development is confirmed by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sunusi Bature who noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.
Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.
He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.
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