A senator serving as minority whip in the upper chamber has defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance to the New Democratic Congress, citing mounting legal troubles within his former party.
The lawmaker's departure marks another blow to the APGA, which has watched its parliamentary strength erode in recent months. Multiple court cases involving the party's leadership and structure had made his continued membership untenable, he told colleagues.
Defections from smaller political parties to larger ones have become routine in Nigeria's legislature. Senators often cite poor party structure, lack of support from leadership, or internal disputes as reasons for jumping ship. The NDC, though not among Nigeria's major political players, has attracted members from other parties seeking a fresh political home.
The senator did not immediately detail which specific cases prompted his decision, but legal battles over APGA's control and direction have dominated headlines in recent months. Party factions have fought in court over who holds legitimate authority, creating uncertainty that members say makes it difficult to operate effectively.
His switch reduces APGA's caucus in the Senate and strengthens the NDC's numbers. How the move will affect his committee assignments or legislative priorities remains unclear. The Senate leadership has not yet commented on the defection.
