Drama as Akpabio threatens to declare Abaribe’s seat vacant over defection from APGA; ADC takes over with highest number of senators in minority
Drama as Akpabio threatens to declare Abaribe’s seat vacant over defection from APGA; ADC takes over with highest number of senators in minority
By John Okezie
A heated debate erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, threatened to declare the seat of Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development followed the official defection of eight senators from minority parties to the ADC and one to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during plenary, triggering a constitutional debate over the application of Section 68 (1)(b) and (g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Those who defected to the ADC are Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central), Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), Ireti Kingibe (FCT) and Abaribe. Sen. Seriake Dickson’s letter of defection to the NDC was also read.
