Four Senators from Osun, Akwa Ibom Leave PDP Amid Political Realignments

Four senators from Osun and Akwa Ibom States have exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with two officially defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the other two resigned from the PDP, fueling speculation of imminent defection to the ruling party. From Akwa Ibom, Senators Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) confirmed their move to the APC following the defection of Governor Umo Eno in June 2025. Their defection, officially announced during plenary at the National Assembly, is part of a wave of political realignments in the state, triggered by Governor Eno’s decision to dump the PDP in favour of collaboration with the APC-led federal government. Governor Eno’s exit from the PDP led to a mass defection in Akwa Ibom, including 24 out of 26 members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners, and other top political figures. The two senators’ decision to follow suit further consolidates the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region. In Osun State, Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Lere Oyewumi (Osun West), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) earlier drew attention when they publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Though initially viewed as a symbolic gesture, two of them—Fadahunsi and Fadeyi—have now formally resigned from the PDP, citing internal party crises and unresolved legal disputes. Their resignation letters were submitted and read on the floor of the Senate, confirming their break from the opposition. However, the senators have not officially declared their new political affiliation, though strong indications point to a move toward the APC. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has since called on the Osun senators to formalize their membership with the party, stressing that endorsement alone does not equate to full alignment. The defections come amid growing internal tensions within the PDP and appear to bolster the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts believe the latest wave of resignations and party switches is part of a broader strategy by politicians to reposition themselves as the next election cycle draws nearer.