Massive Defections Rock Nigeria's Senate and House of Representatives Amid Party Primaries Disputes

Strategic Insights -

The just-concluded party primaries in Nigeria have sparked a wave of defections among lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives. Over 70% of National Assembly members, approximately 174 House representatives and 54 senators, have lost their return tickets due to anointing by governors. The aggrieved lawmakers have started dumping their parties to participate in the next year's general election, with many more expected to follow suit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawmakers initially attempted to restrict governors' control over party primaries through the Electoral Act, but their efforts were thwarted by President Muhammadu Buhari's rejection of the bill.
  • The governors then successfully used their influence to anoint candidates in the primaries, leading to the loss of return tickets for many lawmakers.
  • The aggrieved lawmakers, feeling betrayed by their parties, have begun defecting to other parties to ensure their re-election.
  • Senator Adamu Abdullahi, representing Nasarawa West, was a key player in the plot to oust Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and replace him with one of their own.
  • The APC national chairman, Adamu, met with the party's lawmakers to address their grievances, but the meeting failed to stem the tide of defections.
  • Nine senators, including the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, have defected to the PDP so far, while about 20 others are set to join them this week.
  • The membership configuration in the Senate now stands at APC 61, PDP 38, NNPP 3, YPP 2, LP 1, APGA 1, vacant seats 3, totaling 109.
  • In the House of Representatives, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila lamented the situation, blaming the 'delegate system' for the loss of return bids for many lawmakers.
  • Several political observers have argued that the National Assembly's failure to carefully read the Electoral Act Amendment bill led to the exclusion of statutory delegates in primary elections.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 174 House of Representatives members (70%) lost their return tickets.
  • 54 senators (49.5%) lost their return tickets.
  • The Senate now has 61 APC members, 38 PDP members, 3 NNPP members, 2 YPP members, 1 LP member, and 1 APGA member.
  • The House of Representatives membership configuration is APC 146, PDP 111, NNPP 1, LP 3, and other parties 3.
  • Nine senators have defected to the PDP, while about 20 more are set to join them this week.

Sources:

  • THISDAY
  • Senate President's office
  • APC national chairman's office
  • House of Representatives
  • Campaign for Democracy