ABUJA – Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has raised a significant alarm over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, revealing that the Senate is on the verge of becoming a single-party chamber as opposition senators defect en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a plenary session, Akpabio disclosed that the opposition, which began with nearly 50 senators after the 2023 elections, has now been reduced to a mere handful.
Opposition on the Brink of Extinction
Akpabio provided a stark numerical account of the political realignment occurring in the upper legislative chamber. “When we came in, the opposition in the Senate was almost 50,” he stated. “Today, when I counted, there are about 5 or 4 left in the opposition.”
In a revelation that underscores the depth of the crisis, Akpabio added that even these remaining few are poised to cross over. “Even those five members have whispered to me that I should take them to the President as they are prepared to join the APC,” he said.
To prevent the complete collapse of a minority presence—a fundamental requirement for a vibrant democracy—Akpabio admitted to employing an unusual tactic. He has allowed some senators who have already defected to the APC in their home states to technically remain within the minority caucus in the Senate.
He cited the example of Enugu State, thanking Governor Peter Mbah for ensuring that Senator Osita Ngwu retained the position of Minority Chief Whip. “Otherwise, this place would have been empty,” Akpabio conceded.
Calls for Inclusivity Amid Political Monopoly
Facing the prospect of a near-total APC Senate, Akpabio emphasized the need for inclusive governance. He urged that all senators, regardless of their original party affiliation, must be carried along in legislative business.
“Stakeholders coming in from other political parties must be given equal opportunities to thrive. There must not be any discrimination,” the Senate President asserted.
He framed the current period as one of national growth accompanied by significant challenges. “This is a time of growth and challenge. With growth comes envy and jealousy, and with jealousy comes hatred,” Akpabio said, calling for unity and cooperation among all senators to address pressing national issues.
Broader Context and National Concerns
The near-total erosion of the opposition in the Senate occurs against a backdrop of ongoing national security and humanitarian challenges, which Akpabio also addressed. He praised the federal government for the recent release of over 100 kidnapped children while calling for prayers and continued action for those still in captivity.
Political analysts suggest that the mass defections reflect a broader trend of political realignment towards the ruling party at the national level, a phenomenon often attributed to the allure of power, patronage, and the weakening of opposition structures. Critics argue that a legislature without a robust opposition undermines accountability, healthy debate, and the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.
The Senate President’s unprecedented public admission highlights a critical juncture for Nigeria’s political landscape, raising fundamental questions about the future of multi-party democracy and robust legislative oversight in the country.
