Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said the opposition in the Nigerian Senate has been reduced to just five members following a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Akpabio made the declaration on Thursday while addressing the APC National Caucus meeting, explaining that the balance of power in the Senate has shifted significantly since the inauguration of the 10th Senate.
According to him, the opposition had nearly 50 senators when the current Senate was inaugurated under his leadership, but that number has continued to shrink as lawmakers defected to the APC.
“When we came in, the opposition had almost 50 members. But today, when I counted, there are about five or four left in the opposition. Even those five members have whispered to me that I should take them to the President, the leader of the party, that they are prepared to join the APC,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President urged party leaders to ensure that new entrants into the APC are treated fairly, stressing that there must be no discrimination against defectors from other political parties.
“Stakeholders coming in from other political parties must be given equal opportunities to thrive. There must not be any discrimination. Do your best not to leave anybody behind,” he said.
Akpabio also explained that he had deliberately allowed some senators who have declared for the APC in their states, but are yet to formally declare on the floor of the Senate, to remain within the minority caucus.
“I have intentionally allowed, I’m reporting to the caucus, the APC members who have declared in their state, who are yet to declare in the Senate, to continue in their minority caucus,” he said, adding that he does not want to preside over a Senate without an opposition.
He further thanked Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for allowing Senator Osita Ngwu to retain his position as Chief Whip of the minority caucus, noting that the decision helped sustain opposition leadership in the chamber.
“I want to thank Governor Peter Mbah for allowing Senator Osita Ngwu from Enugu State to retain the position of Chief Whip of the minority. Otherwise, this place would have been empty,” Akpabio added.
Calling for unity among lawmakers, Akpabio said the Senate leadership remains committed to carrying all senators along, regardless of party affiliation.
“In the Senate, we’re doing our best to ensure that we carry the Senate as one, irrespective of political parties,” he said.
He described the current political period as one marked by growth and challenges, warning that progress often comes with division if not properly managed.
“This is a time of growth and challenge. With growth comes envy and jealousy, and with jealousy comes hatred,” Akpabio said, urging cooperation among senators.
The Senate President also spoke on national security, praising the Federal Government for the release of over 100 kidnapped children and calling on Nigerians to continue praying for the safe return of those still in captivity.
