Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has downplayed fears that the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
Appearing on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Oshiomhole addressed concerns following the recent defection of three senators to the APC, boosting the party’s strength in the Senate to 68 seats—approaching a two-thirds majority.
“I don’t believe this poses any threat to democracy,” he stated on Tuesday.
The former APC National Chairman emphasized that having a majority in the legislature does not mean the end of debate or dissent, adding that lawmakers frequently vote based on individual positions rather than party lines.
“If you listen to Senate debates, it’s often hard to tell who is APC or PDP based on their stance,” he explained.
He argued that a legislature aligned with the executive is not uncommon in democracies, pointing to the United States as an example.
Oshiomhole also stressed that national interest should always take precedence over party loyalty.
“If you follow my contributions on the Senate floor, you’ll see that my top priority is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I’ve always maintained that no political party, whether in power or opposition, is greater than Nigeria. If there’s ever a conflict between the two, I’ll side with the national interest,” he said.
Reflecting on the defections, Oshiomhole expressed satisfaction, especially since the defectors were founding members of the APC. He dismissed suggestions that the defections were driven by pressure or coercion.
Earlier that day, Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) officially left the PDP for the APC during plenary, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and top party officials.
These defections have increased the APC’s representation in the 10th Senate to 68, according to DAILY POST. The current Senate breakdown is:
- APC: 68
- PDP: 30
- Labour Party: 5
- NNPP: 1
- SDP: 2
- APGA: 1.