The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost another senator to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, representing Osun Central, announcing his resignation from the party.
His decision adds to the wave of recent defections that have reshaped the current composition of the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Fadeyi, in a letter dated June 12, addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 3, Oke-Ejigbo, Ila-Orangun, cited persistent internal disputes and leadership failures within the party as the reason behind his exit.
“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,”
the letter read.
His resignation came just hours after a similar announcement by Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East, deepening the PDP’s crisis in a state it currently governs under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Fadeyi’s letter pointed to significant issues within the party, including deep-seated divisions, unresolved court disputes, and structural weaknesses, which he said had “hindered governance and effective representation.”
He further explained that the move was not made lightly, noting it came after careful consultation:
“The decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, family members, and close advisers.”
This latest development is likely to intensify speculation of a broader exodus from the PDP in the South-West, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
There are already unconfirmed reports suggesting that Governor Adeleke may also be considering a switch to the APC.
The PDP, Nigeria’s principal opposition party, has been in turmoil since the end of the 2023 general elections, grappling with leadership disputes, legal battles, and internal factionalism that have undercut its unity and effectiveness both at the national and state levels.
As defections mount, the PDP’s numbers in the 109-member Senate have dwindled. The party now holds 28 seats, while the ruling APC retains a commanding majority with 69 seats.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) has grown its presence to four seats, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) holds two, and both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one seat each.
