There was a dramatic exchange in the Senate yesterday following the formal defection of Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nwoko, representing Delta North, cited internal divisions, lack of leadership, and persistent crises within the PDP as reasons for his departure.
In a letter read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko urged the Senate to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the PDP’s crisis and recommend solutions to protect Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that the ongoing dysfunction within the opposition party could threaten the stability of the nation’s multi-party system, potentially paving the way for a dangerous one-party rule.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises,” Nwoko’s letter read. He further emphasized the urgent need for the Senate to act, stating that democracy thrives on a strong opposition that holds the government accountable.
With Nwoko’s defection, the APC now holds 64 seats in the Senate, while the PDP’s representation has dropped to 33. The Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Social Democratic Party each have a smaller presence, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance has one seat. The total number of senators in the 10th Senate stands at 107, with two seats remaining vacant due to recent deaths and elections.
In response to Nwoko’s defection, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue) rejected his claims, asserting that the PDP is not factionalized and citing the party’s unified leadership structure. Moro raised a constitutional point of order to challenge Nwoko’s defection, claiming it violated Section 68(g) of the Nigerian Constitution.
However, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), countered Moro, pointing to the evident factions within the PDP led by Governors Nyesom Wike and Bala Mohammed. Senate President Akpabio, acknowledging the significance of Nwoko’s defection, described it as a “political earthquake” and hinted that other PDP senators may follow suit.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) supported Nwoko’s move, emphasizing that the constitution allows for defection in the presence of factionalism. He dismissed Moro’s assertions, pointing to the internal divisions within the PDP as evidence of its fracturing.
The Senate ultimately decided not to set up an ad hoc committee at this time, but Nwoko’s call for an investigation into the PDP’s crisis has added fuel to the ongoing political drama in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
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