The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved closer to achieving a two-thirds majority in the Senate as its membership rose to 72 following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) from the Labour Party (LP) and the swearing-in of Senator Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central).
Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East, formally defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC on Wednesday. His defection letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
Also, Senator Joseph Ikpea was sworn in as senator for Edo Central after winning the recent by-election held to fill the seat vacated by Senator Monday Okpebholo, who became governor of Edo State in 2024.
Similarly, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was sworn in to represent Anambra South. He replaces Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died in 2024. With the Senate comprising 109 members, two-thirds mathematically equals 72.66. However, legislative practice dictates rounding up to 73 because constitutional provisions requiring ‘not less than two-thirds’ must meet the next whole number. This interpretation aligns with Sections 143 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which set the same voting threshold for presidential and gubernatorial impeachments.
The APC’s new strength of 72 senators now puts it a single seat away from that constitutional majority. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 28 senators, the Labour Party 4, APGA 2, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 1.
Analysts warn of democratic imbalance as Akpabio mocks opposition
Meanwhile, analysts have warned that if the APC secures a two-thirds majority, it could pass executive bills and requests without opposition support, undermining the legislature’s independence.
Political scientist Professor Gbade Ojo described the development as ‘deeply concerning,’ saying it could lead to ‘a subtle dictatorship.’
‘When a ruling party controls the parliament to the extent of holding a two-thirds majority, it erodes the principle of checks and balances,’ he said. ‘The National Assembly risks becoming a rubber stamp for the executive, compromising its oversight role.’
He also criticised the weakness of opposition parties, saying internal disunity and ideological vacuum had worsened their decline. ‘The opposition has failed to put its house in order. Everyone is fighting for survival, not principles,’ he added.
Moments after Chukwu’s defection letter was read, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) hailed the move, saying more lawmakers were joining the APC ‘because the APC-led government is working.’
He argued that the Labour Party’s internal disarray forced Chukwu’s defection, while Senate President Akpabio mocked opposition parties, describing them as ‘tattered’ and urging them to ‘put their houses in order.’
‘I want a vibrant opposition. But the opposition is tattered. Please, put your houses in order, ‘he said.
After mocking the opposition, Akpabio asked Senator Moro, the Minority Leader to speak. In his remarks, Moro said the remaining opposition senators would remain strong till 2027.
He said, it was sad that Senator Chukwu defected to the APC. Moro said despite claiming in his letter that he had consulted widely before his defection, he (Moro) was not consulted.
He said, ‘He (Senator Chukwu) came here on sympathy vote’ after his brother was killed before the 2023 election.
To Akpabio, Senator Moro said, ‘The house (APC) is becoming too full, it should worry you.’
In his letter to the Senate, Chukwu blamed his decision on ‘internal wrangling, leadership crisis, and lack of focus’ within the Labour Party.
‘Recent developments within the Labour Party, including lack of cohesion and direction, have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties,’ he said.
Chukwu added that the APC, under President Bola Tinubu, offered ‘a more stable, progressive, and inclusive platform’ for achieving national unity and good governance.