Senate Warns Senator Abaribe Over Party Switch

BY admin
March 13, 2026
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In a recent Senate meeting, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia South said he was leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This news caused a big argument among the senators. The Senate President read Abaribe’s letter, where he explained that problems in APGA’s leadership made him quit. The session turned tense as others questioned if his move was allowed under the rules.

Abaribe is a well known senator who has been in office since 2007. He speaks up a lot for the South-east part of Nigeria. Before becoming a senator, he was Deputy Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2003, but he got removed after a fight. He has been involved in big issues, like helping a leader from a group pushing for change in 2017. This has made him important in talks about Nigeria’s government.

The main reason for his switch is a crisis in APGA, including his removal from the party in September 2025. Abaribe said this left him with no choice but to join ADC, which is growing among some leaders against the ruling party. He asked the Senate to accept his change quickly so he can keep working for his people.

Other senators, like the Deputy Senate President and Senate Leader, disagreed strongly. They said there was no real split in APGA, so Abaribe might have to give up his seat based on the constitution.

The Senate President told him to show proof of his removal within a week and gave him until the next meeting to take back his letter, or they would act on the rules.

This case shows the strict laws on changing parties in Nigeria. The constitution says a lawmaker must lose their seat if they switch without a good reason like a party divide. Courts have decided similar cases before, depending on facts. Abaribe’s situation could affect how future switches are handled as elections get closer.

If Abaribe loses his seat, it might hurt how the South-east is represented in the Senate. It also highlights the push and pull between staying loyal to a party and having freedom in politics. As Nigeria’s leaders shift sides, this story reminds everyone of the challenges in balancing personal choices with serving the public.