Nigeria’s ruling party tightened its grip on the National Assembly on Tuesday as two senators from Rivers State and six members of the House of Representatives defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The senators, Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East and Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South East, announced their defection during plenary, citing persistent internal divisions within the PDP. Senate rules were briefly suspended to allow senior APC officials, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, into the chamber to witness the move.

Both lawmakers are known allies of Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers governor and current minister of the federal capital territory. Their decision further reshapes the political balance in Rivers State, where loyalties have shifted repeatedly in recent months.

With the defections, the APC increased its strength in the Senate to 78 seats, giving it a commanding majority. The move adds to a growing list of high profile politicians who have crossed over to the ruling party, including Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently aligned himself with the APC after months of political tension in the state.

The wave of defections has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups who warn that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one party system. Senate leaders rejected that view, insisting that democratic competition remains intact.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the APC remains committed to pluralism and cooperation across party lines. He told lawmakers that the ruling party sees itself as a responsible stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy and will continue to engage minority parties on national priorities such as food security and healthcare.

Akpabio Addresses New Members

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the new members, saying the APC must match its growing numbers with fairness and internal democracy. He assured defectors that the party would provide equal opportunities for participation and growth, stressing that justice and inclusiveness were essential to good governance.

Meanwhile, the realignment extended to the House of Representatives, where six lawmakers from Rivers State also left the PDP for the APC. They include Dumnamere Robinson Dekor of Khana Gokana, Solomon Bob of Abua Odual and Ahoada East, Hart Cyril of Degema Bonny, Victor Obuzor of Ahoada West Ogba Egbema Ndoni, Blessing Amadi of Port Harcourt Two and Felix Nweke of Eleme Oyigbo Tai.

The defections underscore the enduring influence of Wike in Rivers politics and reflect the broader struggle for control of the state’s political machinery.

As parties reposition ahead of future elections, the growing APC bloc faces pressure to balance its expanding dominance with credible opposition and internal cohesion to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.