Bamidele Discusses Abaribe's Senate Defection Impact

During a plenary session, Bamidele commented on the situation regarding Senator Abaribe, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Bamidele asserted that the Constitution clearly stipulates that lawmakers who leave their political parties may have their seats declared vacant.

He noted that Abaribe's defection, along with at least nine other senators from various parties, has sparked a debate within the Senate regarding the legal implications of such defections. Bamidele, who holds the position of Senate Leader, urged Abaribe to reconsider his decision and withdraw his letter announcing the defection.

He argued that the Senate cannot accommodate lawmakers who do not align with either major or minor political blocs, reinforcing the constitutional provisions that govern the eligibility of lawmakers based on their party affiliations.