Atiku Praises ‘Courageous’ Defection as 9 Senators Join ADC in Major Senate Shake-Up Ahead of 2027

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Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic shift in the Senate after nine lawmakers from different parties formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has strengthened the opposition bloc and drawn praise from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The defections were announced during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read letters from the lawmakers confirming their decision to leave their former parties and align with the ADC.

The senators who defected include Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory).

The move, which involved lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party Nigeria, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, has elevated the ADC to nine seats in the Senate, giving the party a stronger voice in the upper chamber as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar described the senators’ decision as an act of courage and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

“I commend Senator Binos Yaroe and the eight distinguished senators who boldly aligned with the ADC, not for personal gain but in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku said in a statement shared on social media.

“At a time when many are being coerced into the ruling party, their decision to stand with the opposition is a powerful statement of courage, conviction, and commitment to national interest.”

He further argued that democracy cannot thrive without a strong opposition, noting that the senators’ move would strengthen the push for accountability, good governance, and a more balanced political system.

“Democracy without credible opposition is democracy in name only. Their presence strengthens our collective voice for accountability, good governance, and the future Nigerians deserve,” he added.

Speaking separately to journalists in Yola, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe said his decision was influenced by loyalty to Atiku Abubakar, concerns over inadequate federal projects in his constituency, and the need to prevent Nigeria from drifting toward a one-party system.

He said he rejected overtures to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, opting instead for the ADC as a platform to sustain vibrant multi-party competition.

Despite the defections, the ruling All Progressives Congress still maintains a dominant majority in the Senate with about 87 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party has seen its numbers significantly reduced.

Political analysts say the development could signal the beginning of broader opposition realignment as political actors begin positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

The sudden rise in ADC representation underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances and party loyalties continue to evolve in the struggle for power and influence at the national level.