Senator Peter Jiya of Niger South Senatorial District has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political transition was officially announced during the Senate plenary session on Tuesday, adjusting the current party distribution within Nigeria’s federal legislature.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented the lawmaker’s formal notification to the chamber shortly after proceedings resumed. In the correspondence, Jiya attributed his departure to ongoing disagreements and organizational splits within his previous party. “I was formerly a member of the PDP, which was my sponsoring party. However today, I have resigned my membership of the PDP due to ongoing quarrels and significant divisions within the party,” the letter stated. He subsequently confirmed his affiliation with the APC to continue his parliamentary duties. Jiya also acknowledged his former party’s role in his political career, noting that he remains appreciative and hopes the organization successfully addresses its internal matters.
Legislative party switches follow standard parliamentary protocols. Upon submitting a formal notice, the presiding officer records the change, updates official chamber directories, and adjusts party group alignments for voting and committee purposes. The revised records ensure that parliamentary operations reflect the current political affiliations of all sitting members.
The defection alters the numerical balance of the Senate. With Jiya’s shift, the APC now holds 90 seats, maintaining its status as the largest bloc in the chamber. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) retains nine seats, while the PDP’s count reduces to four. Four additional registered parties—the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Accord, and National Democratic Congress (NDC)—each hold one seat. The total membership of the upper chamber stands at 106, with three seats remaining vacant due to the deaths of former occupants.
Jiya will now participate in legislative proceedings and committee assignments under the APC designation. The updated party configuration will be integrated into the daily operations of the National Assembly as the current legislative calendar continues.
