APC Expands Senate Majority to 88 Seats After Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its position in the Nigerian Senate by increasing its membership to 88 seats after recent by-elections. This increase follows the swearing-in of four new senators on June 24, 2023, including Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the inauguration.

The new senators represent Ondo South, Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South East. Despite this consolidation, the APC faces significant challenges, including a wave of defections and grievances from party members regarding the conduct of its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

High-profile defections included former Inspector General of Police Abubakar Adamu and several senators from Bauchi State. The APC's control of the Senate has risen from 59 to 88 seats, while the opposition, particularly the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has seen its representation shrink to 36 seats.

The recent elections have highlighted internal conflicts within the APC, as members accuse the leadership of imposing candidates and lacking internal democracy.