The All Progressives Congress (APC) now holds a two-third majority in the Senate, following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.
Senator Chukwu represents Enugu East Senatorial District.
With Senator Chukwu’s defection on Wednesday, the APC’s strength in the Senate rose to 73 members.
The latest development further reduces the number of opposition lawmakers, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now having 28 senators; Labour Party, 4; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 2; and both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) holding one seat each.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary, Senator Chukwu attributed his defection to internal crises within the Labour Party at both the state and national levels.
“I write to formally, effective immediately, resign from the Labour Party. Recent developments in the Labour Party at both the state and national levels have made it difficult for me to represent my constituents under its banner,” the letter read in part.
The Enugu lawmaker explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across different levels in Enugu State.
“After careful reflections, I am convinced that the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, provides a more inclusive platform for the nation.
I remain committed to serving the people of Enugu East and hereby join the Progressives family in the 10th Senate,” he stated.
Senator Chukwu further noted that his move to the APC was driven by the desire to better serve his constituents and contribute more meaningfully to national development.
“This decision reflects my commitment to aligning with a platform that works. I believe I can represent the collective interests of my people better,” he said.
He also claimed that his defection would enable him to deliver greater dividends of democracy to his district and Nigerians at large.
“I will meet the aspirations of the good people of Enugu East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large,” he pledged.
