Akpabio Threatens to Declare Abaribe’s Seat Vacant Following Defection

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The Nigerian Senate was thrown into a state of mild drama on Thursday as the leadership of the upper chamber threatened to declare the seat of Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, vacant. This confrontation erupted shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Abaribe's formal letter announcing his resignation from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While the atmosphere in the chamber was already charged due to a wave of political realignments, Abaribe's move immediately became the focal point of a heated constitutional debate.

​In a striking contrast to Abaribe's experience, the Senate leadership accepted the defections of eight other lawmakers—including prominent figures like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Ireti Kingibe—without similar threats. However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that Abaribe's specific move violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. They maintained that there is currently no division or crisis within APGA’s national leadership to justify a legal defection, asserting that under the Constitution, a lawmaker who leaves their sponsoring party must vacate their seat unless a clear party division exists.

​Responding swiftly to these allegations, Senator Abaribe countered that his situation did not fall under the typical "defection" rules because he had actually been expelled from APGA since September 2025. "I have been sacked from my party since September 2025, and I have the letter here," Abaribe declared, insisting that the law requires a legislator to belong to a political party to hold office, which necessitated his move to the ADC. He argued that his transition was a matter of necessity following his expulsion rather than a voluntary abandonment of his former party.

​Despite Abaribe's defense, Senate President Godswill Akpabio faulted the Senator for failing to notify the Senate leadership of his alleged expulsion when it occurred. Consequently, Akpabio ruled that the Senate would give Abaribe one week to provide documentary evidence of his dismissal from APGA. The Senate President issued a stern warning that if the evidence is not provided or deemed unconvincing, Abaribe must either withdraw his defection letter or the chamber will take a formal position on declaring his seat vacant.

​This "mass defection" of nine senators to the ADC marks a significant realignment in the 10th Senate, with some analysts suggesting the ADC is positioned to potentially replace the PDP as the main opposition party in the upper chamber. Amidst the current tension, reports indicate that Abaribe is already being considered for the role of the new Minority Leader, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. As the one-week ultimatum ticks down, the Red Chamber remains on edge, waiting to see if Abaribe can prove his expulsion and secure his political future.