The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has solidified its dominance in the National Assembly by attaining a two-thirds majority in the Senate — a crucial advantage that strengthens its control over legislative affairs.
The new balance of power follows the defection of Senator Samaila Kila, who represents Bauchi North Senatorial District, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. His move was officially announced through a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
With Kila’s defection, the APC’s presence in the 109-member Senate has grown to 73 seats, meeting the constitutional threshold required to pass significant or contentious legislation with ease.
The achievement also reflects the voting strength mandated by Sections 143 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution for presidential and gubernatorial impeachment processes.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that this is the first time since the party assumed power in 2015 that it has attained a two-thirds majority in the upper chamber, underscoring its increasing consolidation of political influence.
The APC held 59 seats as at June 13, 2023 when the 10th Senate was newly inaugurated. Currently, the Senate now stands; All Progressives Congress (APC): 73 seats, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): 27 seats, Labour Party (LP): 4 seats, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): 2 seats, Social Democratic Party (SDP): 2 seats, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 1 seat.
