Defection drama in the Senate: Abaribe’s move to ADC blocked over constitutional hurdles
By Amah
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A tense moment unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as lawmakers halted an attempt by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe to defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing constitutional provisions that could cost him his seat.
The development comes amid a wave of political realignments in the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly, where several senators have recently switched party affiliations, often citing internal crises within their political platforms. However, Abaribe’s case quickly turned into a constitutional debate that briefly threw the Senate into a stormy session.
Senator Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, was elected into the Senate on the platform of APGA. During plenary, he sought to formally notify the chamber of his intention to join the ADC, claiming that his decision was prompted by developments within his former party.
His announcement came on the heels of a broader political shift in the Senate, where several lawmakers have recently changed parties amid evolving alliances ahead of future elections.
But unlike the other defections, Abaribe’s move immediately faced resistance from the Senate leadership.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, was the first to challenge the proposed defection. He argued that there was no evidence of a crisis within APGA that would justify Abaribe’s departure under the Nigerian Constitution.
Barau referenced Section 68(1) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a member of the National Assembly must vacate their seat if they defect to another political party before the end of their tenure—unless the move is caused by a division or crisis within the party that sponsored them.
He therefore urged Abaribe to reconsider the move and withdraw his defection letter to avoid triggering constitutional consequences.
In response, Abaribe told the Senate that his situation was different because he had been expelled from APGA months earlier.
Addressing the chamber, he stated that the party removed him on September 25, 2025, and that his departure from the party was therefore not voluntary.
“Mr. Senate President, distinguished colleagues, I have the letter and evidence of my sack by APGA,” he said.
His declaration intensified the debate on the Senate floor, with lawmakers divided over the legal implications of the claim.
Several senators weighed in on the matter, with some arguing that expulsion from a party does not automatically justify defection under the Constitution.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North insisted that APGA had no internal crisis that could warrant a lawful defection. He maintained that allowing the move would amount to a violation of the constitutional provisions guiding party affiliation in the legislature.
He urged the Senate to treat the matter strictly within the confines of the law.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged Abaribe’s explanation but pointed out that his claim of expulsion might actually complicate his position.
Akpabio noted that the Constitution recognises political parties as the platforms through which candidates are elected, raising questions about the legality of remaining in office after being removed by one’s sponsoring party.
He then invited the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, to provide a legal interpretation of the issue.
Bamidele drew attention to Section 66 of the Constitution, which outlines eligibility requirements for election into the National Assembly. He argued that since candidates must be sponsored by political parties to contest elections, losing that sponsorship through expulsion creates a serious legal dilemma.
He further stressed that Section 68(1) could compel Abaribe to vacate his seat if he defects without a proven crisis within his party.
According to him, the most prudent course of action would be for Abaribe to withdraw the defection letter.
After listening to the arguments, Senate President Akpabio advised the Abia lawmaker to reconsider his move.
While noting that the presiding officer has constitutional authority to rule on such matters, Akpabio aligned with the legal interpretation presented by the Senate Leader and suggested that Abaribe withdraw the letter of defection to avoid complications that could jeopardise his Senate seat.
The episode underscores the growing tension within Nigeria’s political landscape, where party defections have become increasingly common but remain bound by strict constitutional limitations.
For now, Abaribe’s attempt to join the ADC remains stalled, pending his decision on whether to withdraw the notice or pursue the matter further.
