Akpabio, Abba Moro Clash Over Lawmakers’ Defection To APC

Akpabio and Abba Moro clashed over continued defections to the APC.
Senator Kelvin Chukwu cited LP’s internal crisis for joining the ruling party.
APC senators say the movement reflects confidence in Tinubu’s administration.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, engaged in a tense exchange on Wednesday over the rising wave of defections by opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the confrontation followed the formal defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East, from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Chukwu attributed his move to the “collapse of internal democracy and lack of cohesion” within the Labour Party.

With his switch, the current composition of the Senate stands as follows: APC – 73 senators; PDP – 28; LP – 4; NNPP – 1; SDP – 1; and APGA – 2, bringing the total to 109 lawmakers.

After reading Chukwu’s defection letter during plenary, Akpabio taunted the opposition, saying their shrinking numbers were no longer a cause for concern.

“If they like, let them all move here. Your decision to leave a tattered house is accepted,” Akpabio said, adding that Nigeria would not become a one-party state since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to register new parties.

“But those still struggling in the opposition should join us in the ruling party to move the country forward,” he added.

Reacting sharply, Minority Leader Abba Moro cautioned Akpabio against making remarks that downplay the role of the opposition.

“Mr. President, with due respect, you are the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No matter the number here, we are capable of holding our own,” Moro said.

He also lamented the rate of defections, describing the chamber as “becoming too full.” Wishing Senator Chukwu well, Moro noted, “He came here on the Obedient movement, on a sympathy vote, but that’s a story for another day.”

In his defection letter, Chukwu explained that his decision came after “extensive consultations with my constituents and political associates.”

“Recent developments, including internal wrangling and leadership crises in the Labour Party, have made it difficult for me to effectively represent my people. I believe the APC offers a more stable and progressive platform,” he said.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) welcomed Chukwu’s defection, describing it as proof of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Bamidele said, “What is happening is not an accident of history. It’s a direct response to the positive changes under the APC-led government. The economy is improving, and Nigerians are beginning to see results.”

He hinted that more defections could follow, saying, “Every politics is local, and many senators are acting in the interest of their constituents,” but assured that cooperation across party lines would continue.