From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday secured a two-thirds majority in the Senate following the swearing-in of three new senators, including one who defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling party.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office to Barrister Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central, APC) and Emmanuel Nwachukwu Chibuzor (Anambra South, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA), who were recently declared winners of by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the start of the day’s plenary session.
While Ikpea replaced Senator Monday Okpebholo, who vacated his seat after emerging as Governor of Edo State, Chibuzor filled the vacancy created by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who previously represented Anambra South.
The brief ceremony was conducted by the Acting Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, after which the new lawmakers presented their certificates of return from INEC and shook hands with the Presiding Officer, Akpabio.
Among dignitaries who witnessed the session were former Delta State Governor, James Ibori; former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; and Dr. Lee Ikpea, elder brother to the new Edo Central senator.
In his remarks, Akpabio welcomed the lawmakers and urged them to acquaint themselves with the legislative framework guiding Senate proceedings.
“I must say that we are giving you two items today,” Akpabio said. “One is the Nigerian Constitution, which you must imbibe, because that’s the grund norm and all authority in this hallowed chamber comes through it.
“The second is the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended. The contents will show you why certain things are done at specific times. If you are ruled out of order, don’t be angry, it means you’ve breached a section of the Standing Orders. That’s what gives us discipline and order. It distinguishes us from others.”
He further advised the new senators to study both documents carefully, noting that the Senate’s legislative process differs from that of state assemblies.
Shortly after the swearing-in, Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East), who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, formally announced his defection to the APC.
Reading Chukwu’s letter of defection, Akpabio told him: “Your discretion in leaving a tattered house is hereby accepted.”
In his letter, Chukwu explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents and political associates, and was driven by his desire to serve effectively.
“I write to formally notify you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party and to join the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately,” Chukwu stated.
“This decision was reached after consultations with my constituents and stakeholders across Enugu State. It is a reflection of my commitment to aligning with a platform that works. I believe I’ll do better and represent the collective interest of my people better.”
The lawmaker cited “internal wranglings, leadership crises, policy disagreements, lack of cohesion, lack of direction and focus at both the state and national levels” within the Labour Party as reasons for his exit, adding that the challenges had “undermined the core values and principles upon which the party was founded.”
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the APC “provides a more stable, progressive, and inclusive platform for achieving our shared goals of economic growth, good governance, national unity, and social development.”
Following the latest developments, the numerical strength of parties in the 10th Senate now stands at 73 for the APC, 28 for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 4 for the Labour Party (LP), 2 for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 1 for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and 1 for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), giving the APC a comfortable two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber.
