“Declare Abaribe’s Seat Vacant,” APGA Tells Senate

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to declare the Abia South senatorial seat vacant following the defection of Enyinnaya Abaribe to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a communiqué issued after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Awka, Anambra State, the party said there was no valid basis for Abaribe’s exit, arguing that its national leadership is not facing internal division that could justify such a move.

Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Senate, left APGA last month for the ADC. He had cited internal disputes and later claimed he was expelled from the party—positions the Senate leadership has questioned. Akpabio has asked the senator to present a letter confirming his expulsion at plenary, but this has not been submitted.

APGA maintained that the defection violates the mandate given to Abaribe by his constituents and called on the Senate to apply constitutional provisions to declare the seat vacant. The party also commended the Senate leadership for what it described as its adherence to democratic and constitutional principles, urging that the matter not be overlooked.

Reacting to the request, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the chamber cannot act on the matter while lawmakers are on recess. He noted that any formal communication would be considered only after plenary resumes.

Adaramodu clarified that the request was directed at the Senate as an institution rather than the Senate President alone, stressing that due legislative procedure must be followed. He added that constitutional provisions guiding such decisions can only be invoked during plenary sessions.

In its communiqué, APGA also praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act 2026 into law, highlighting provisions on party primaries and digital membership systems as steps toward strengthening internal party democracy. The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to align its timetable for the 2027 general elections with the new law.

The NWC further encouraged party members and prospective entrants to participate in its ongoing registration and electronic revalidation exercise, and called on Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to sustain efforts toward delivering on his development agenda.