Akpabio Mocks Opposition, Moro Fumes as More Senators Dump Parties for APC

Tension gripped the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minority Leader Abba Moro engaged in a heated exchange over the rising number of opposition lawmakers defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The drama unfolded during plenary shortly after Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East, announced his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC, citing internal crises and leadership failure within his former party.

Akpabio, reacting to the defection, mocked the opposition for what he described as its “dwindling strength,” saying lawmakers leaving “a tattered house” were only seeking a more stable platform.

His remarks drew laughter from senators on the majority side but provoked a sharp response from Moro, who accused the Senate President of ridiculing the opposition and undermining democratic balance.

“Mr. President of the Senate, democracy is about diversity of voices. We cannot allow this chamber to become a one-party affair,” Moro cautioned, insisting that the minority caucus still had the strength to play its role effectively.

In his defence, Akpabio said the defections were a reflection of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the APC’s governance direction.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also waded in, saying the movement of lawmakers into the ruling party signified “growing trust and alignment with the administration’s vision for progress and stability.”

The exchange highlighted deepening divisions within the upper legislative chamber as the ruling APC continues to consolidate its dominance amid cracks in opposition ranks.