The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially secured a commanding two-thirds majority in the Nigerian Senate, following the defection of Senator Chukwuemeka Nwodo of Enugu North from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling APC.
Senator Nwodo’s defection was announced during plenary on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the upper legislative chamber. With this move, the APC now holds 74 out of 109 Senate seats, surpassing the constitutional threshold required to unilaterally amend laws and approve key executive decisions without bipartisan support.
In his letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Nwodo cited “the need to align with the progressive vision of national development” as his reason for leaving the Labour Party. He emphasized his commitment to supporting policies that promote economic growth, security, and infrastructure development in the Southeast and across Nigeria.
“My decision is driven by the urgent need to work with a party that has the national reach and executive capacity to deliver on the promises of democracy,” Nwodo stated.
The APC leadership welcomed the defection, describing it as a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its reform agenda. Party officials noted that the expanded Senate majority will enable smoother passage of critical legislation, including fiscal reforms, national security initiatives, and constitutional amendments.
Political analysts view the development as a strategic win for the APC, especially ahead of upcoming debates on electoral reform and restructuring. The Labour Party, which made significant gains in the 2023 general elections, now faces renewed pressure to consolidate its base and reassess its legislative strategy.