- The senator blamed persistent internal crises, factional disputes, and unresolved leadership issues within the PDP
- The defection is particularly notable as Katung becomes the first PDP senator from Kaduna State to cross over to the APC
- The PDP has lost senators, governors, and lawmakers nationwide
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its numerical advantage in the Senate following the defection of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents Kaduna South, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Eko Hot Blog reports that Katung formally announced his decision during Wednesday’s plenary session, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio reading his defection letter on the floor of the Red Chamber.
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Explaining his move, the senator blamed persistent internal crises, factional disputes and unresolved leadership issues within the PDP, which he said no longer aligned with the mandate given to him by his constituents.
With Katung’s exit, the APC’s strength in the 109-member Senate has risen to 77 seats, while the PDP’s numbers have dropped to 24. Other parties represented include the Labour Party, APGA, SDP and NNPP.
The defection is particularly notable as Katung becomes the first PDP senator from Kaduna State to cross over to the APC, ending the party’s hold on all three senatorial districts in the state.
Until now, the PDP retained Kaduna Central and Kaduna North through Senators Lawal Adamu Usman and Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha.
Ironically, Katung had previously dismissed rumours of an impending defection, insisting through his media office that he remained loyal to the PDP despite growing speculation.
His decision now adds to a widening wave of defections that has continued to weaken the opposition party both within the National Assembly and across several states.
In recent months, the PDP has lost senators, governors and lawmakers nationwide, with many citing deep-seated internal divisions and parallel leadership structures as reasons for their exit.
The latest development further underscores the APC’s growing influence in the legislature and raises fresh concerns over the PDP’s internal stability ahead of future elections.
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