There was a heated debate in the Senate on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, after Senator Ned Nwoko defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, formally informed the Senate of his decision to leave the PDP, the party under which he was elected.
His defection letter was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In his letter, Nwoko blamed internal divisions within the PDP, saying the party had lost its strength as a major opposition force.
He also expressed concern that Nigeria was heading towards a one-party system because the opposition was becoming weaker.
His letter read:
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
“If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”
Nwoko also called for an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the internal crises within the PDP and suggest ways to protect Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“This Committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria,” he said.
As Senate President Akpabio read the letter, PDP senators protested loudly while APC lawmakers cheered in celebration.
Nwoko, who arrived at the chamber with his mother-in-law, was warmly welcomed by APC members, who lifted his hands and paraded him around in excitement.
Constitutional Debate Over Nwoko’s Seat
Raising a constitutional issue, Minority Leader Abba Moro argued that Nwoko should give up his seat since he had left the party that sponsored his election. He cited Section 68 (g) of the 1999 Constitution to support his claim.
“I am deeply disappointed that we have lost a member today. Efforts were made to ensure he remained with us, but he exercised his personal right to leave.
“However, there is no division within the PDP. He cannot continue to occupy the seat that belongs to our party.”
Moro also rejected claims of leadership struggles within the PDP, saying the Appeal Court had ruled in favour of Sam Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
Akpabio and APC Senators Defend Nwoko’s Defection
In response, Senate President Akpabio dismissed Moro’s argument, saying internal conflicts within a party’s leadership showed division, which made defection legal.
“Senator Moro, please read the Constitutional provision again for clarity. The existence of factions within a party’s leadership signifies a crisis,” Akpabio said.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also disagreed with Moro, insisting that the PDP was indeed divided. He pointed to Section 68 (g) of the Constitution, saying internal factions justified Nwoko’s move.
“The reality is that the PDP is currently split between the Wike faction and the Bala Mohammed faction. Anyone can see that,” Jibrin argued.
As tensions rose, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) broke into a song mocking Nwoko’s defection, chanting:
“Carry am go, carry am go!”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also defended Nwoko, saying lawmakers had the right to switch parties under certain conditions.
“The Constitution is clear about defection. When a party is sharply divided, lawmakers can switch affiliations,” Bamidele said.
“What we are witnessing now is merely an attempt to discourage other opposition members from crossing over to the APC,” he added.
