Senator Kelvin Chukwu, who represents Enugu East Senatorial District, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Senate formally announced Chukwu’s defection during plenary, marking another shift in the composition of the 10th National Assembly.
The lawmaker said his decision to leave LP followed what he described as “disorganisation within the opposition party.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his reaction, urged opposition parties to reorganise and provide credible alternatives. He warned that their present disunity undermines democratic vibrancy.
“I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria, but when they are in tatters, what can we do? Please, put your house in order. That’s why INEC is registering more political parties,” Akpabio said.
Echoing his sentiments, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele attributed the growing support for the APC to the government’s handling of the economy.
“This shift in the Senate reflects a broader national trend; the APC-led government is working. … Our foreign reserves are improving, and the GDP shows signs of steady growth; these are clear indicators that the economy is bouncing back,” Bamidele added.
With Chukwu’s defection, Senate membership by party now stands at:
APC: 73
PDP: 28
LP: 4
APGA: 2
SDP & NNPP: 1 each
