ABUJA, NIGERIA — A heated debate erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, threatened to declare the seat of Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) .
The tension began when Senator Akpabio, while reading Abaribe’s defection letter on the floor, cited Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a lawmaker must vacate their seat if they defect from the party that sponsored their election without a valid reason, such as a division within the party .
“Distinguished Senator Abaribe has defected from APGA to ADC. This triggers constitutional provisions. Unless there is evidence of a crisis in APGA, his seat may be declared vacant,” Akpabio stated, triggering an immediate uproar from opposition lawmakers .
Senator Abaribe rose to defend his position, insisting his defection was justified. He argued that APGA had been engulfed in a protracted leadership crisis, which had rendered the party incapable of maintaining internal cohesion, thereby qualifying as an exception under the constitution .
“My party, APGA, is in crisis. There is a factional leadership dispute recognized by the courts. My defection is protected by law,” Abaribe countered .
Supporting Abaribe’s argument, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, cited precedents where courts had ruled in favour of lawmakers who defected due to party crises. He warned against any hasty action that could lead to legal battles and further polarize the chamber .
“Mr. President, we must be guided by judicial precedents. Where a party is in crisis, defection is permissible. Let us not create unnecessary tension,” Moro pleaded .
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, however, backed Akpabio’s position, urging the Senate to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions. He called on Abaribe to provide concrete evidence of the APGA crisis to justify his move .
The debate grew increasingly heated, with senators from both sides trading arguments across the aisle. At one point, Akpabio struggled to maintain order as lawmakers shouted simultaneously .
After nearly an hour of intense debate, Akpabio ruled that Abaribe must formally present proof of the APGA leadership crisis to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further investigation .
“I will refer this matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. They will investigate and report back within four weeks. Until then, no action will be taken,” Akpabio declared, temporarily calming the chamber .
Senator Abaribe, a three-term senator and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, was first elected to the Senate in 2011 on the PDP platform before moving to APGA. His latest defection to the ADC is seen as part of a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections .
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