Defections Won’t Endanger APC’s Majority in Senate, Says Oshiomhole

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has assured Nigerians that the recent defections from the party will not endanger the APC’s majority in the Nigerian Senate, nor will they pose a threat to the country’s democratic process.

Speaking to journalists, Oshiomhole downplayed concerns raised by political observers regarding the exit of several APC senators, stating that these defections would not destabilize the party’s dominance in the Senate.

According to Oshiomhole, the APC continues to maintain a commanding position with 59 seats, significantly ahead of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which holds 37 seats.

“The APC remains firmly in control of the Senate,” Oshiomhole stated, emphasizing that the defection of a few senators should not be seen as a loss of influence. He further added that many of the defecting senators had a history of securing fewer votes than President Muhammadu Buhari in their respective constituencies during the last general election.

Oshiomhole dismissed their exit as being driven more by personal interest than by any significant political shift.

Oshiomhole also addressed the adjournment of the Senate’s plenary sessions, which many saw as linked to the defections.

He stressed that such moves are well within the rights of lawmakers and do not necessarily signal any dysfunction within the APC or the Senate.

“If people have chosen to suspend legislative proceedings because it aligns with their political interests, it is their prerogative,” Oshiomhole remarked.

The APC National Chairman was quick to point out that the defections were not ideological but largely motivated by personal or political calculations.

He urged members of the APC to focus on the party’s values, rather than individual gains.

Despite the defections, analysts note that the APC still retains a strong majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.

With the Senate leadership largely under the control of APC members, the party remains in a dominant position to influence legislative decisions.

Oshiomhole concluded by reaffirming the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the political landscape remains stable, even in the face of internal challenges.

As the political scene continues to evolve, the APC will be keen to maintain its majority, while navigating the ongoing defections that have become a notable feature of Nigeria’s ever-changing political dynamics.