The formal defection of Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to ruling All Progressives Congress, APC on the floor of the Red Chamber, sparked row among lawmakers from the two leading parties.
The news of Senator Nwoko’s defection have been dominating a section of the conventional and social media for some time.
He, however, confirmed his new political destination in a notice of departure from PDP through a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and read on Wednesday during plenary with some of his family members, political associates and constituents in attendance.
Senator Nwoko attributed his decamping to unending crisis that has engulfed the PDP and urged the Senate to set up an ad- hoc committee to investigate the crisis rocking the leading opposition party with the view of safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
The notice read “I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently Join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard.
“The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy. If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy.
“This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.
“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”
The letter however sparked partisan argument as the Minority Leader, Abba Moro described Nwoko’s defection as illegal and unconstitutional as there was no faction in the opposition PDP.
Moro argued that while differences is an inevitable feature of political parties, the PDP stand a united party.
On the dispute over the party’s National Secretary seat, the Minority Leader said the party as a law abiding entity hold on to the subsisting verdict of the court while the legal tussle continues at the apex court.
But, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele quickly pointed out the crisis in the PDP over the National Secretary seat which matter is already in court is enough evidence for Ned Nwoko to dump the party.
Senator Moro, however, replied that the PDP as a law abiding party has already obtained a court ruling confirming Sam Anyanwu as the authentic Secretary of the party as well as a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgement on him.
The Senate President Akpabio, however, did not to set up the ad -hoc committee as advised to look into the immediate and remote causes of crisis in the PDP because the matter is already in court.
With Nwoko’s addition, the ruling APC has a convincing majority of 64 senators, the PDP 33, Labour Party five while both the Social Democratic Party, SDP and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP have two members each and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has one senator.
The Anambra South seat is yet to be filled after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Edo Central seat remains vacant after emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Edo State governor.
