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
APC pegs presidential ticket at N100 million, governorship N60 million
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says that it’s Presidential ticket will be decided on May 15 and 16, candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21; while the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.
In the comprehensive timetable released to INEC, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.
Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10 million Naira.
Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6 million.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the party disclosed that the schedule was signed by its National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR.
The timetable provides detailed timelines for key pre-election activities, including the screening of aspirants, appeals processes, primary elections, and directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC reassured its members, stakeholders, and the Nigerian public of its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive primary elections.
“The party remains dedicated to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating its progressive ideals through a fair and orderly process,” the statement added.
The release of the timetable marks a significant early step by the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 polls begin in earnest.
Politics
Gbenga Daniel shut out from Ogun East APC Meeting
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
• Gbenga Daniel address supporters from his vehicle outside APC East meeting in Ijebu- Ode, Monday April 20.
The former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was on Monday blocked from gaining access to the venue of the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, included past chairmen, past and present National Assembly members, councillors, among others.
However, videos circulating on social media showed that Senator Daniel’s convoy was prevented from entering the venue.
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
”In one of the clips, Daniel’s security personnel were seen engaging individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access, but were unsuccessful.
The situation turned tense as supporters of the senator gathered, chanting: “OGD, OGD, OGD.”
Daniel later addressed his supporters from his vehicle:”We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said that we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode.”
His media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the incident and described the meeting as a gathering of loyalists of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to Oliyide, the meeting notice was issued at midnight and invited all National Assembly members, including Daniel.”
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