Another PDP Senator Joins APC, Strengthens Ruling Party’s Grip on Senate
ABUJA — The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday recorded yet another major win in the National Assembly following the defection of Senator Friday Konbowei from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its ranks.
Konbowei, who represents Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The letter was read on the floor of the Senate shortly before the end of Thursday’s plenary.
Explaining his decision, the lawmaker said he could no longer remain in a party “plagued by persistent internal crises and leadership disputes,” describing the PDP’s situation as “intractable.”
His defection is being viewed as a major boost for the APC, which has been steadily consolidating its majority in the 10th Senate through a series of defections from opposition lawmakers in recent weeks.
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With Konbowei’s move, the APC now holds a commanding two-thirds majority with 74 seats, strengthening its control of the upper chamber and bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s legislative support base.
The development further reduces the PDP’s representation to 27 senators, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have one senator each. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) retains two.
Political observers say Konbowei’s defection is another blow to the PDP in the South-South region — a zone long considered one of its traditional strongholds.
The senator’s move, they note, underscores the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties jostle for influence and stability in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
