Senate warns Abaribe of potential seat vacancy following move to ADC

On Thursday, the Senate cautioned that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia South could face the loss of his seat unless he reconsiders his resignation from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out a letter from Abaribe, who stated his intention to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to ongoing internal conflicts within APGA. Abaribe's defection aligns with the ADC's strategy to field candidates for the 2027 elections.

Despite this, several senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, challenged the rationale behind Abaribe's move.

Jibrin specifically argued that APGA's leadership structure remains intact, pointing out that Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that any parliamentarian who leaves the party that nominated them must vacate their position, unless there's proof of a factional split within that party.

He also invoked Order 20(j) of the Senate Standing Orders, which empowers the Senate President to interpret the rules and make final decisions on matters arising in the Senate.

Consequently, Jibrin pressed the Senate President to make a ruling in accordance with constitutional standards.

Similarly, Adams Oshiomhole, the senator for Edo North, suggested that rather than deserting the party during disagreements, party leaders should work towards resolving their disputes.

Bamidele, on his part, expressed concerns that Abaribe might have breached Section 65 of the Constitution, which necessitates that National Assembly members belong to a political party as a prerequisite for their office.

He urged the Senate President to allow Abaribe to retract his resignation letter for further discussion within Senate leadership. Failure to do so, he contended, would compel the chamber to proceed based on the provisions of the Constitution.

In defense of his decision to resign, Abaribe explained that he had already been expelled from APGA since September 2025. He requested that the Senate formally accept his resignation, emphasizing that he was no longer affiliated with the party.

Following the debate, Akpabio instructed Abaribe to present a copy of his expulsion letter from APGA within a week for the Senate’s review.

Nevertheless, Jibrin and Bamidele reiterated that the Senate President should promptly issue a ruling based on constitutional guidelines by declaring Abaribe's seat vacant.

In his ruling, Akpabio stated that the Senate would allow Abaribe time to reconsider withdrawing his resignation letter before making a constitutional determination on the matter.

He added, "We’ll give you until our next sitting to reflect, otherwise the chamber will adopt a position."

It remains uncertain if Abaribe had registered as a member of ADC before submitting his resignation letter.

Abaribe has gained recognition as a prominent opposition figure in the Senate since his first election in 2007, often re-elected, making him one of the most senior lawmakers in the chamber.

Before his Senate tenure, he served as the deputy governor of Abia State from 1999 until 2003.

Throughout his political career, Abaribe has maintained an active stance on governance issues, democratic practices, and the rights of the South-east region, and has often found himself at the center of significant national discussions.