LP Senator Defects as Akpabio Calls for Stronger Opposition

The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Senate have increased to 73 following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from the Labour Party (LP).

The defection was formally announced during Wednesday’s plenary session, marking another significant shift in the political composition of the 10th National Assembly.

Senator Chukwu, who represents Enugu East Senatorial District, said his decision to leave the Labour Party was due to what he described as “disorganisation within the party.”

In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on opposition parties to strengthen their structures and provide credible alternatives, stressing that their internal divisions weaken democratic competition.

“I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria, but when they are in tatters, what can we do? Please, put your house in order. That’s why INEC is registering more political parties,”
— Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Echoing Akpabio’s remarks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele attributed the growing support for the APC to the administration’s performance, especially in stabilising the economy.

“This shift in the Senate reflects a broader national trend; the APC-led government is working.
Our foreign reserves are improving, and the GDP shows signs of steady growth — these are clear indicators that the economy is bouncing back,”
— Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele

With the latest defection, the current distribution of seats in the Senate stands as follows:

• APC: 73 members

• PDP: 28 members

• Labour Party: 4 members

• APGA: 2 members

• SDP: 1 member

• NNPP: 1 member

The development underscores the continuing realignments within the National Assembly as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.