Akpabio Says Opposition Nearly Gone In Nigerian Senate, Boasts Only ‘Four Or Five’ Opposition Senators Left
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, says the opposition presence in the Senate has shrunk to almost nothing — claiming that only “four or five” opposition senators are left in the 109-member chamber.
Akpabio made the remark on Thursday while speaking in Abuja, noting that a growing number of senators from opposition parties have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since the 10th National Assembly began.
According to him, the Senate started with close to 50 opposition lawmakers, but defections and political realignments have left the minority caucus severely diminished. He added that more senators from other parties are already in talks to join the APC.
Akpabio also revealed that some senators who have moved to the ruling party are still retained within minority leadership positions to maintain institutional balance, insisting he does not want a Senate without any opposition voice.
The Senate President celebrated the APC’s growing national dominance — highlighting its control of most governorship seats, National Assembly positions, and political structures across the country.
Why This Matters
The shrinking opposition raises major concerns over legislative balance, accountability, and Nigeria’s democratic health. With the APC now commanding overwhelming influence in the Senate, analysts fear that oversight of the executive arm of government could weaken further.
Political watchers also view the development as a strategic early advantage for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections — especially as opposition parties continue to struggle with defections, internal crises, and declining legislative strength.
For residents of the Federal Capital Territory, the shift reflects a broader trend affecting political negotiations, representation, and policy direction at the national level.
Bottom Line
Akpabio’s declaration confirms what has been building for months: Nigeria’s opposition in the Senate is facing near collapse. With only a handful of lawmakers left outside the APC, the question now is how effectively minority voices can contribute to lawmaking — and whether the opposition can regroup in time for future political battles.
