The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a two-thirds majority in the Senate, the threshold required to easily pass and approve key legislation or government policies.
The development follows the defection of the Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, Samaila Kila, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
His defection was announced in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary.
With this development, the APC now controls 73 seats in the 109-member Senate, the constitutional benchmark for a two-thirds majority required to pass major or controversial legislation.
The party’s new numerical strength also aligns with Sections 143 and 188 of the Constitution, which stipulate the same voting threshold for presidential and gubernatorial impeachments.
This marks the first time since 2015, when the APC came to power, that it has achieved a two-thirds majority in the upper chamber.
Over the years, both the ruling and opposition parties have witnessed waves of defections that altered the Senate’s composition.
APC had 59 seats at inauguration on 13 June, 2023.
Presently, the PDP holds 27 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has four, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have two seats each. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains one seat.
Bauchi senator’s defection
In his letter, Mr Kila said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and constituents in Bauchi North.
He attributed his defection to the prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalisation, and lack of strategic direction within the PDP.
The senator said he joined the APC to support the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It has become evident that the prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalisation, and crisis, loss of strategic direction within the People Democratic Party, have gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience.
“As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in the governance of our country.
“Consequently, I have chosen to join the All Progressive Congress (APC) and to lend my full commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Metunibu, GCFR,” the letter read.
Tinubu’s transformative reforms
The senator commended President Tinubu for initiating a bold and transformative economic reforms.
“I hold in high regard the bold and transformative reforms initiated by the President, aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning our nation for sustainable growth.
“These efforts reflect the decisive leadership of our country, and that’s what Nigeria needs. I’m confident that these reform efforts align with my legislative ideals and my enduring conviction to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and democratic advancement,” the senator said.
He also expressed appreciation to the senate president for his leadership since assuming office.
“Permit me, Your Excellency, the Senate President, to express my deep appreciation to you for your exemplary leadership of the 10th Senate that has attracted all and sundry from the opposition side.
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Your commitment to unity and legislative excellence continues to inspire confidence across party lines, and I remain committed to working under your guidance in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate and to ensuring the well-being of all Nigerian people.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest regards and unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of our party, the All Progressives Congress, and our nation in general,” Mr Kila said.
