“When I Counted, Only About 4 or 5 Senators Are Left in the Opposition,” Says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the opposition in the Senate has dwindled significantly, claiming that only about four or five senators remain outside the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Akpabio made the statement on Thursday while speaking at the APC national caucus meeting in Abuja. He said the Senate, which once had nearly 50 opposition members, has witnessed a wave of defections that has drastically reduced minority representation. According to him, some of the remaining opposition lawmakers have privately indicated their willingness to defect to the APC.

He urged party leaders to embrace incoming members from other political parties and ensure they are treated fairly, warning that discrimination could undermine unity within the party. Akpabio appealed to stakeholders to create equal opportunities for all members and avoid leaving anyone behind.

The senate president said he was not in favour of a completely one-party Senate, noting that he had allowed some senators who had defected to the APC at the state level but not yet formally in the chamber to continue sitting with the minority caucus. He explained that this was done to prevent the opposition benches from being entirely empty.

Akpabio also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu over the recent release of more than 100 children who were abducted in Niger State. He prayed for the safe rescue of those still in captivity and for their reunion with their families.

In addition, he condoled with families who lost loved ones, including security personnel who died in the line of duty, and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.