Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is coercing opposition lawmakers into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the recent wave of defections as voluntary and driven by national interest.
Bamidele made the remarks on the floor of the Senate at the National Assembly, Abuja, during the formal announcement of defection by three senators from Kebbi State — Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) — to the APC.
The event was attended by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Nasir Idris; and APC National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, among others.
According to Bamidele, the APC is now operating a “government of national unity,” welcoming individuals across political divides without discrimination. He stressed that the defections were based on the lawmakers’ convictions and their desire to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work with members of minority political parties,” he said. “Virtually all political parties — from YPP to PDP — have either joined or are cooperating with the ruling APC. Even APGA has nominated a minister under the APC-led administration.”
Bamidele dismissed concerns over Nigeria turning into a one-party state, highlighting that no one is being forced to defect. He recalled how the PDP, when in power, aggressively pursued defections to expand its political reach — a tactic the APC is not replicating.
He praised the defecting senators as experienced and principled lawmakers with deep roots in governance and public service. “These are not individuals who can be coerced. They are leaders with convictions and a desire to serve Nigeria beyond partisanship,” he said.
Bamidele emphasized that the current political climate requires collaboration and national unity. “This is not the time for grandstanding. It is time to work together to move Nigeria forward,” he said, reiterating that the Senate remains committed to national interest over party loyalty.
He concluded by urging critics to look beyond party lines and focus on the collective responsibility of lawmakers to serve the Nigerian people during this critical phase of national development.
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