The leadership of the Nigerian Senate has refuted claims of coercion surrounding the recent wave of defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the political realignment as a normal feature of democratic evolution.
Speaking on Tuesday during plenary after the formal announcement of the defection of all three senators from Kebbi State, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele insisted that the decision to switch parties was voluntary and in the national interest.
Senator Bamidele emphasized that the defectors—Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South)—were seasoned individuals with independent minds.
“No one is being coerced. Certainly not Senator Adamu Aliero, not Professor Yahaya Abdullahi, and not Senator Maidoki, who has made notable contributions in the private sector before entering politics. These are individuals driven by patriotism, not personal gain. They understand this is not the time for political grandstanding but a time for unity to move Nigeria forward,” Bamidele said.
He added, “To those who label this parliament a rubber stamp, they must understand we are at a critical point in our national development. What matters now is the public interest, not partisan lines.”
Also speaking, Deputy Senate President Barau congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who were present to receive the new entrants.
“This is a significant win for the APC and a clear signal that the government is on the right track. The increasing number of defections shows growing confidence in the leadership of both the President and the party,” he stated.
The defections officially leave the PDP without Senate representation from Kebbi State. The letters announcing their move were read on the floor by Barau, citing irreconcilable internal issues within the PDP and a perceived disconnection from the hopes of Nigerians.
In his letter, Senator Adamu Aliero explained his decision:
“After deep reflection and consultations, I have resolved to resign from the PDP and return to the APC, a party I helped to found. This is not a move made lightly, but one borne out of my unwavering commitment to the people I serve. The PDP has increasingly become disconnected from the aspirations of Nigerians, with internal divisions and lack of direction impeding its relevance.”
He added that the APC, under its new leadership, had shown “encouraging signs of transformation,” prioritizing national interest, economic reforms, and infrastructural development.
“I’m not defecting for personal gain,” Aliero said. “This move is guided by my desire to effectively serve my constituents and pursue progressive governance. I assure my supporters that my loyalty remains unchanged—I am only changing platforms, not my mission.”
The plenary was marked by a high-profile presence including Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, former Governor Usman Sa’idu Nasamu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and former Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Following the announcements, the defected senators were formally seated with their APC colleagues, receiving a warm welcome from the ruling party’s caucus.
