Politics
Defections: APC majority in Senate not threat to democracy — Oshiomhole
The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed concerns that the growing number of lawmakers defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Oshiomhole stated this on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television in response to questions regarding the recent defection of three senators to the APC, bringing the party’s total strength in the Senate to 68, edging closer to a two-thirds majority.
“Whether this is a danger to democracy? No, I don’t think so,” he stated on Tuesday.
The former All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman said the APC majority will not eliminate debates or dissent in the National Assembly, noting that lawmakers often vote based on issues, not party lines.
“If you’ve been following debates in the Senate, sometimes you can’t even distinguish who is PDP or APC in terms of the positions people take,” he said.
According to him, having an aligned legislature is not unusual in democratic societies, citing the United States as an example.
The ex-president of the Nigeria Labour Congress maintained that his loyalty lies with the national interest over party allegiance.
“If you watch my contributions on the floor of the Senate, the first party is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I’ve argued, and I make no apologies, that the total of all political parties in Nigeria, whether in or out of government, is not equivalent to Nigeria. If I see a conflict between party interest and national interest, I have no difficulty in resolving it in favour of Nigeria,” he added.
Oshiomhole, while reflecting on the defections, said he was personally pleased, especially because those who crossed over were foundational members of the APC.
He also dismissed suggestions that people who defect to the APC do so out of coercion.
Recall that earlier on Tuesday, Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) formally defected from the PDP to the APC during a Senate plenary session.
Their move followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders.
The defections increased the APC’s numerical strength in the 10th Senate to 68.
DAILY POST reports that the Senate’s composition now stands as follows: APC – 68, PDP – 30, Labour Party – 5, NNPP – 1, SDP – 2, and APGA – 1.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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