The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained another member in the Senate following the defection of Senator Friday Konbowei Benson from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Konbowei, who represents Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Thursday’s plenary before adjournment.
In his letter, the lawmaker cited the “intractable internal crises” within the PDP as the reason for his departure, noting that he could no longer remain in a party beset by factional disputes and leadership instability.
His move marks another significant gain for the APC, which has been consolidating its majority in the 10th Senate through a string of defections from opposition lawmakers in recent weeks.
With Konbowei’s defection, the APC now holds 74 seats, securing a firm two-thirds majority in the upper legislative chamber and strengthening President Bola Tinubu’s support base in the National Assembly.
The PDP’s representation has dropped to 27 seats, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) each retain one senator. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) continues to hold two seats.
Konbowei’s exit further diminishes the PDP’s influence in the South-South region — a zone long considered its political stronghold — and underscores the growing political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
