Hon. Obi Aguocha, the federal lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Constituency, has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that it poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic and legislative equilibrium.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise TV, Hon. Aguocha revealed that the APC is just four defections away from securing absolute control of the Senate a shift that could grant the ruling party the power to unilaterally drive legislative decisions without meaningful resistance from the opposition.
According to Aguocha, the steady stream of defections particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is rapidly eroding the ability of opposition lawmakers to influence or block crucial bills, leaving Nigeria’s legislative process vulnerable to domination by a single political force. He described the situation as dangerous for democracy, stressing that checks and balances in the National Assembly are essential for good governance.
“Look at the number of defections happening every single day, mostly within the PDP ranks to the APC it diminishes the numbers we can muster to block or pass legislation,” he stated. “If you go to the Senate, they need just four more defections and they can do whatever they want.”
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Despite this troubling trend, Hon. Aguocha expressed faith in the integrity and objectivity of many lawmakers across both chambers of the National Assembly. He insisted that if a major constitutional crisis were to arise, legislators from all political backgrounds would be compelled to defend the Constitution they swore to uphold.
“I believe the members of the National Assembly, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, are objective people. If push comes to shove, they will stand in defense of the Constitution,” Aguocha affirmed.
His comments have sparked intense reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, as analysts warn that the increasing dominance of the APC through defections could weaken the nation’s multiparty democracy and centralize power in ways that threaten transparency, accountability, and pluralism.
With 2027 on the horizon, observers believe the current momentum of defections could shape not only the legislative dynamics in Abuja but also influence the outcome of upcoming elections.
