Tension and sarcasm took centre stage on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, exchanged sharp banters following the defection of two senators from Taraba State to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defecting lawmakers, Senator Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North) and Senator Haruna Manu (Taraba Central), formally announced their exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further swelling the numerical strength of the APC in the 10th Senate.
Their defections were communicated through separate letters addressed to the Senate and read aloud by Akpabio during plenary.
While reading Senator Manu’s letter titled “Notification of Resignation”, Akpabio said the lawmaker cited extensive consultations and a reassessment of Nigeria’s political landscape as reasons for his decision.
“I have come to officially announce my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the letter read in part. “This decision followed deep and extensive consultations with my constituency, political associates, key stakeholders, and the developmental aspirations of the people I represent.”
Manu further stated that he was convinced his conscience and contributions to national development would be better served on the platform of the APC.
Akpabio also read a similar letter from Senator Lau, who blamed his defection on what he described as concerns over the direction and internal challenges within the PDP.
“I have become increasingly concerned about the current party’s direction and internal issues,” Lau wrote. “I believe the All Progressives Congress aligns more closely with my values and vision.”
Following the announcement, both senators were received with cheers from members of the APC caucus, as they crossed to the majority wing of the chamber.
Not missing the moment, Akpabio took a swipe at the opposition, openly mocking the shrinking minority caucus and inviting Moro to respond.
“I am sure Senator Abba Moro has something to say about this. So please proceed,” Akpabio said, drawing laughter from the chamber.
Rising to speak, Moro dismissed the defections as a predictable post-election phenomenon, saying such moves were no longer news in Nigerian politics.
“Mr President, it is no longer news that after elections, some people suddenly discover that there is a progressive party,” Moro said. He expressed sadness that colleagues elected on the PDP platform had abandoned the party, insisting that the reasons given for their defection were questionable.
“They said the decision was taken after wide consultations. Mr President, we are all here,” Moro said, casting doubt on the credibility of the claim.
Akpabio quickly interjected, saying Moro’s remarks suggested that the defectors had entered the Senate with the minority leader’s mandate.
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“You just mentioned that they entered with your mandate, which means there was concurrence on your side,” Akpabio said.
Moro rejected the insinuation and accused the defectors of misleading the Senate.
“When they say wide consultations and the leadership of the minority caucus is here, nobody told anybody anything,” he said. He revealed that he had personally cautioned one of the senators against defecting, only to later discover that a defection letter had already been submitted.
Despite his criticism, Moro said he was not offended by the development and wished the defectors well, adding that he would continue to lead the minority caucus regardless of its size.
“The minority is not about numbers,” he said. “Even if the minority is one, I will continue to lead the minority caucus until the end of the 10th Senate.”
Akpabio, however, was unrelenting, responding with further sarcasm.
“I’m glad you are a wonderful man. You just told me that even if you are the only one remaining, you will lead yourself. That is leadership,” the Senate President said, triggering laughter across the chamber.
The latest defections reinforce a growing trend in the 10th Senate, where opposition lawmakers have continued to cross over to the ruling APC, often citing internal party crises or alignment with the federal government’s agenda.
With the new defections, the Senate’s composition now stands at APC – 80; PDP – 21; Labour Party – 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance – 1; New Nigeria Peoples Party – 1; and African Democratic Congress – 1.
