ABUJA – The Nigerian Senate underwent a significant leadership reshuffle on Wednesday as Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) emerged as the new Minority Whip, following a fresh wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appointment of Nwoye, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), followed the vacancy created by the exit of the former whip from the opposition caucus.
Fresh Defections Bolster APC Majority
Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially read the letters of defection from three senators who cited persistent internal crises and leadership disputes within their former parties as the primary reasons for their departure.
The defectors include:
- Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West): The former Minority Whip formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
- Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West): A high-ranking member and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, he moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC.
- Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South): Left the PDP to join the ruling party, citing a lack of direction within the main opposition.
Shift in Power Balance
These latest movements have significantly altered the numerical strength of the upper chamber. The APC has now consolidated its majority to 91 seats, while the PDP’s representation continues to shrink. The emergence of Tony Nwoye as Minority Whip also highlights the growing influence of the ADC as a “third force” within the National Assembly.
Presidential Requests
Amidst the political realignments, the Senate also received formal requests from President Bola Tinubu for the confirmation of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a minister and Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Senate referred these requests to the relevant committees for screening, with reports expected in the coming legislative days.
