The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday recorded another political victory in the National Assembly following the defection of Senator Friday Konbowei from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its fold.
Konbowei, who represents the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, formally announced his defection through a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which was read during plenary before the session adjourned.
In his letter, the senator cited what he described as “intractable crises and leadership tussles” within the PDP as the primary reason for his decision, adding that he could no longer operate effectively under a party engulfed in perpetual internal conflicts.
The defection marks a significant political gain for the APC, which in recent months has witnessed a steady stream of lawmakers crossing over from opposition parties, thereby reinforcing its dominance in the 10th Senate.
With Konbowei’s switch, the APC now commands a comfortable two-thirds majority, boasting 74 senators — a position that further consolidates its control of the upper chamber and strengthens President Bola Tinubu’s legislative backing.
Conversely, the PDP’s presence in the Senate has dwindled to 27 seats, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retain one senator each. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) maintains two.
