Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, representing Gombe South senatorial district, has officially resigned from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Friday, April 24, through a statement issued by the media office of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Governor Yahaya Orchestrates Defections
According to the governor's Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, this defection is part of a series of political moves orchestrated by Governor Yahaya to consolidate power in Gombe State. Prior to Senator Yaro's move, three federal lawmakers had already switched from the PDP to the APC. These include the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa JC, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency; Abdullahi El-Rasheed; and Inuwa Garba, the representative for Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency.
Misilli stated that the latest defection has significantly strengthened the APC in Gombe State, effectively consolidating its political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement emphasized that the governor's efforts have been instrumental in attracting more politicians to the ruling party.
Senate President Akpabio Boasts of APC Majority
This development comes just days after Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed that the APC now controls 87 out of 106 seats in the Senate. Akpabio further claimed that approximately 20 additional senators are currently negotiating to join the APC. He expressed optimism that these negotiations would soon be concluded, potentially uniting the majority of senators under one party.
Akpabio's statement read in part: "Out of 106 senators, the APC now has about 87 senators. A few people remain to join us, but about twenty-something are still negotiating with me. When the negotiations are completed, I will let you know so we can move as one."
Public Reactions to Akpabio's Announcement
The video of Akpabio's announcement has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. Some commentators expressed concern about the shrinking space for opposition voices in the country. Others questioned whether the APC's numerical strength would automatically translate into electoral success in 2027.
Nze Ndi Anambra commented: "If you now have 87 Senators and 32 Governors, it simply means that Tinubu has won his second term? What is then your fear by destabilizing the opposition parties, since you now have a majority of the politicians on your side?"
Francis Emmanuel Nwankwo wrote: "Negotiating keh! Even your party have people who will dump you as they won’t be in the party after the sales of forms. lol, a sinking man always doesn’t have eyes to see the drain."
Oma Ann remarked: "This is less about celebration and more about the shrinking space for opposition voices." Meanwhile, Kehinde Ogunbiyi criticized the Senate President, stating: "I don't know that Nigeria can ever turn to this. I know this country to be a nation of highly intellectual people."
Akpabio on Insecurity
In related news, Senate President Godswill Akpabio previously attributed the country's insecurity to the upcoming elections, predicting improvements after the polls. However, some critics have challenged this view, emphasizing the need for immediate peace and security measures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Public reactions remain divided on Akpabio's optimistic outlook.
