Two Osun Senators Dump PDP, Join APC Amidst Party Crisis
In a significant political realignment within Nigeria's National Assembly, two prominent senators representing Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), have officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These defections, publicly announced on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025, respectively, underscore deep-seated internal crises plaguing the main opposition party.
Details of the Recent Defections:
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East):
Date of Resignation: His resignation letter, dated June 12, 2025, became public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Reason Cited: Fadahunsi, a two-term senator, attributed his departure to "irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedeviled the party at the national level after the 2023 general elections."
Next Party: While his letter did not officially declare his new political platform, strong indications from Osun political circles suggest he has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He is expected to formally notify the Senate of his defection when the plenary session resumes.
Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central):
Date of Resignation: His resignation letter, also dated June 12, 2025 (reported shortly after Fadahunsi's on July 20, 2025), confirmed his exit from the PDP.
Reason Cited: Fadeyi similarly cited "unresolved internal crises" and the party's perceived "inability to offer coherent leadership at the national level." He emphasized that his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, family, and friends.
Next Party: Like Senator Fadahunsi, Fadeyi did not immediately disclose his new party, but a move to the APC is widely anticipated.
Impact on Senate Composition:
With these two consecutive resignations, the number of PDP senators in the 109-member Senate has now decreased to 28.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) further solidifies its dominant majority with 69 seats.
Other parties hold fewer seats: the Labour Party (LP) has four seats, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two seats. (Note: The exact composition of the 10th Senate is dynamic, and these numbers are subject to minor fluctuations due to bye-elections or further defections).
Broader Context of Defections in Nigerian Politics:
Persistent Internal Party Crises: The reasons cited by the defecting senators—"irreconcilable differences" and "protracted legal battles"—highlight the deep-seated issues within the PDP following the hotly contested 2023 general elections. These internal divisions frequently lead to factionalism and a perceived lack of unified leadership, prompting members to seek more stable and politically viable platforms.
Strategic Realignment Ahead of 2027: These defections are widely viewed as part of a larger political realignment in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. It's common for Nigerian politicians to assess their electoral prospects and gravitate towards the dominant party or emerging coalitions, often described as a "gale of defections."
"Hurricane Tinubu" Influence: Some political commentators refer to this trend as "Hurricane Tinubu," suggesting the significant influence of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in attracting politicians from opposition parties to bolster their ranks.
Speculation on Governor's Defection: The departure of these two Osun senators has intensified speculation about the imminent defection of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from the PDP to the APC. This development has generated considerable buzz and concern within both major parties in the state.
Preceding Defections: These recent departures follow other notable defections in 2025. For example, in May 2025, three other PDP senators from Kebbi State – Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki – also moved to the APC. Earlier in July 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally resigned from the PDP, reportedly moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Political defections remain a characteristic feature of Nigeria's democratic landscape, often driven by strategic power calculations, unresolved internal party disputes, and the pursuit of political relevance. These latest moves further cement the APC's majority in the Senate and signify a notable weakening of the PDP's opposition strength.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
