The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has firmly denied claims that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe was expelled from the party, insisting that the lawmaker representing Abia South resigned voluntarily months before announcing his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The clarification was issued on Saturday by the Abia State Chairman of APGA, Sunday Onukwubiri, following controversy that erupted in the Nigerian Senate last week when Abaribe formally notified the chamber of his decision to join the ADC. In his letter to the Senate, the senator stated that he had been expelled from APGA in September 2025 due to what he described as an “irreconcilable leadership crisis” within the party, adding that he possessed an expulsion letter to support the claim.

But Onukwubiri rejected that account, telling journalists that the party never expelled the senator at any point. According to him, Abaribe was merely suspended in September 2025 after allegedly engaging in what party officials described as serious anti-party activities. The suspension, he said, was never escalated to a formal expulsion.

The APGA chairman further disclosed that Abaribe later chose to leave the party of his own accord. He explained that on December 30, 2025, the senator submitted a resignation letter to the chairman of Ahiaba Ward 5 in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. “We never expelled Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe,” Onukwubiri said. “What we did was suspend him. He later resigned from the party.”

Party officials also accused the senator of attempting to justify his defection by presenting what they described as a questionable expulsion narrative. According to the state leadership of APGA, Abaribe allegedly sought the cooperation of individuals who had either been suspended or had already left the party in order to produce a document suggesting he had been formally expelled.

The dispute surfaced dramatically on the Senate floor when the lawmaker announced his move to the ADC. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several other senators questioned the legality of the defection, noting that the Nigerian Constitution permits lawmakers to switch parties only if there is a verifiable division or leadership crisis in their original party.

With APGA now insisting that no such crisis exists and that no expulsion took place, the Senate leadership has indicated that it may review the circumstances surrounding the defection. Some lawmakers have suggested that if the explanation fails to meet constitutional requirements, the chamber could consider declaring the Abia South seat vacant.

The development marks the latest twist in the political contest surrounding Abia State representation in the Senate, as the chamber weighs whether Abaribe’s move to the ADC complies with constitutional provisions governing party defections.

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, member of the House of Representatives representing the Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, has formally resigned from the PDP to join the ADC.

Dasuki’s defection was revealed in a letter addressed to the leadership of the PDP in his constituency, in which he announced his intention to leave the party with immediate effect.

He subsequently aligned himself with the ADC, marking a new political chapter in his career.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute, with Senator David Mark’s faction recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has emerged, claiming Mark’s leadership is illegitimate.

The Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s appeal, ordering an accelerated hearing on the leadership dispute.

Nine senators defected to ADC, catapulting it to the main opposition party in the Senate.

State chairmen reject Mark’s leadership, citing unconstitutional appointment.

Gombe’s faction inaugurated a new national headquarters, declaring Mark’s faction illegitimate

The party’s future hangs in the balance as it navigates these challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

Honorable Success Opara Highlights reasons why  David Mark’s removal as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being sought due to several reasons, including:

Unconstitutional Appointment : Mark’s leadership is being challenged for allegedly violating the party’s constitution, specifically regarding interim leadership positions.

• Constitutional Contention: Critics and a faction of the party, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe (who claims to be the authentic chairman), argue that the emergence of Mark and his team did not follow the ADC constitution. They argue that members must have been registered for at least two years to hold national office, a requirement they claim was breached.

Lack of Legitimacy : A faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe claims Mark’s emergence as chairman is illegitimate, citing non-compliance with party rules.

Court Ruling: The Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s appeal, awarding N2 million in costs, and ordered an accelerated hearing on the leadership dispute.

Internal Conflict : State chairmen reject Mark’s leadership, accusing him of attempting to hijack the party through manipulation and backdoor dealings.

These factors have contributed to the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC.