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Oyebanjo Urges Tinubu To Fast-Track Power Reforms With New Grid Agency (GAMCO)

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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A power sector professional and Managing Director/CEO of Idfon Power Engineering Consultants Limited, Idowu Oyebanjo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the successful establishment and implementation of the proposed Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), describing it as a critical step toward fixing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.

In an open letter addressed to the President, Oyebanjo outlined persistent inefficiencies in Nigeria’s power sector, noting that despite an installed generation capacity of over 13,000 megawatts, the national grid rarely delivers more than 4,500–5,000MW to consumers.

He identified weak transmission infrastructure as a major bottleneck, which has left significant volumes of electricity stranded across government-owned power plants.

GAMCO Positioned As Key Solution

Oyebanjo described GAMCO as a strategic intervention by the Federal Government aimed at addressing structural gaps in the electricity value chain.

According to the proposal, the company will operate under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated as a commercial infrastructure entity focused on upgrading transmission networks and unlocking unused power capacity.

A pilot project targeting the Benin–Lagos transmission corridor is expected to play a central role.
“If implemented meritoriously, the project could unlock approximately 1,600MW of currently stranded electricity within 18–24 months, resulting in about a 30–35% increase in available power supply to the national grid.”

He added that such improvements would significantly reduce the frequency of grid collapses and enhance electricity supply to Nigeria’s industrial hubs.

Funding, Governance and Private Sector Role

Oyebanjo emphasised that mobilising capital must remain GAMCO’s primary focus, noting that inadequate funding continues to limit expansion and maintenance across the power sector.

He proposed a Public-Private Partnership governance structure, combining government ownership with private sector expertise.

“Mobilization of Capital should be GAMCO’s prime mission, since the key issue in the sector is lack of funding for expansion, upgrade, and maintenance.”
He also stressed the importance of financial discipline and project viability.

“In this regard, all investments by GAMCO should be technically, financially, and commercially justified through a systematic approach before funding is approved by the Board of GAMCO.”

He added that transparency, competitive bidding, and strong oversight mechanisms would be critical to the company’s success.

Focus on Transmission and Distribution Gaps

While transmission upgrades are central to the plan, Oyebanjo warned that improvements must be matched by stronger distribution networks.
“Transmission improvements alone will not guarantee increased electricity delivery.”

He called for close coordination between key stakeholders, including generation companies, distribution companies, and regulatory agencies, to ensure that additional power can be effectively delivered to end users.

Economic and Industrial Impact
Oyebanjo highlighted the broader economic benefits of improved electricity supply, particularly for industrial centres such as Lagos and Ogun states.

According to him, increased power availability would boost productivity, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth.

He also noted that the initiative could attract private investment and strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.

Call for Professional Leadership and Accountability

Oyebanjo stressed that GAMCO must be led by experienced professionals with deep knowledge of Nigeria’s power sector.

He recommended that project management teams be made up largely of Nigerian engineers with proven expertise in power infrastructure development.

“We believe that to achieve this laudable objective, GAMCO must be led by a competent power system professional with over 20 years of cognate experience in the workings of the Nigerian power sector.”

He further called for the adoption of advanced monitoring systems, regular performance evaluations, and strict compliance frameworks to ensure accountability.

Final Appeal to the Presidency

In his concluding remarks, Oyebanjo urged the Tinubu administration to learn from past power sector reforms that failed to deliver lasting results.

“Mr. President sir, over the years, we have seen the Nigerian power industry deteriorate with negative impacts on the society all because the gains made along the way were not sustained.”

He expressed support for the government’s broader reform agenda but warned that the success of GAMCO would depend on proper execution, transparency, and long-term commitment.

“Your RENEWED HOPE AGENDA in the NESI will be fully realized when this project is implemented meritoriously.”

Oyebanjo, who signed the letter in his capacity as Managing Director/CEO of Idfon Power Engineering Consultants Limited, said the recommendations were aimed at ensuring sustainable and long-term transformation of Nigeria’s power sector.

Court Bars Lagos State From Enforcing Mandatory Vaccination Without Consent

By
Henry Williams
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The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ruled that the Lagos State Government cannot compel residents to receive vaccines without their consent.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1854/24 – Equity International Initiative v. Lagos State Government & Others, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa held that the claimant, Equity International Initiative, was right to approach the court and granted all the reliefs sought in the suit.

The court dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the Lagos State Government and proceeded to determine the substantive case in favour of the civil society organisation.

In its ruling, the court held that the Lagos State Government cannot compel the vaccination of any child or adult resident in the state. It further ruled that no child can be vaccinated without the prior written consent of a parent or guardian, while adults must also provide written consent before any vaccination is administered.

The court also restrained the state government from implementing vaccination directives contained in circulars issued in October 2024, or any similar circulars, without obtaining the prior written consent of parents, guardians or the individuals concerned.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, counsel for Equity International Initiative, Mobisola Odimegwu, described the ruling as a landmark decision.

She said the judgment affirms the constitutional rights of residents and underscores the importance of informed consent in medical procedures.

Around the world vaccine without consent is been challenged. In December 2025, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS opened an investigation into a complaint that a Midwestern school illegally vaccinated a child with a federally provided vaccine without the parents’ consent by ignoring a religious exemption submitted under a state law.

Leading to The (HHS) announcing strong actions to protect the rights of parents within the practice of pediatric medicine.

With several reported cases of vaccine injuries especially during the post covid-19 era and other investigations by the U.S center for disease control CDC on the cause of autism in children it is only pertinent to pay attention to healthcare and have legitimate concerns about what goes into our bodies. 

The ruling by the Federal High court sitting in Lagos, could have broader implications for public health policy and vaccination campaigns in the country, particularly where questions arise about consent and government authority.

Lagos State officials have not yet indicated whether they will challenge the judgment, as no comment from the defendant was provided with regards to that.

Lawyers representing the Lagos State Government included Director of Civil Litigation, E.O. Akande, alongside A.T. Iyinade. They represented the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Healthcare Board and the Attorney General of Lagos State in the proceedings.

The ruling is expected to have implications for the implementation of vaccination policies and public health directives in Lagos State.

Russia To Stop Recruiting Kenyans For Ukraine War

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The government of Kenya says Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan nationals to fight in the war in Ukrainefollowing diplomatic talks held in Moscow.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced the development after meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Speaking alongside Lavrov, Mudavadi said both countries had reached an understanding that Kenyan citizens would no longer be enlisted through Russia’s defence structures.

“They will no longer be eligible to be enlisted,” he said.

Lavrov did not directly address the agreement but maintained that all foreign fighters currently serving with Russian forces joined voluntarily.

According to him, they had done so “in full compliance with Russian law”.

The issue gained attention earlier this year after Kenyan intelligence reports indicated that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals may have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Some Kenyans who travelled abroad said they were misled with promises of well-paid civilian jobs, only to discover later that they had been sent to the battlefield.

Mudavadi has also been pushing for the repatriation of Kenyans currently involved in the conflict who wish to return home.

Earlier, he told the BBC that Kenyan authorities had shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceiving citizens with false overseas job offers.

Lawmakers in Kenya have also alleged that some rogue officials collaborated with human-trafficking networks to facilitate the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in the war.

So far, 27 Kenyan nationals who had joined Russian forces have been repatriated.

According to Mudavadi, authorities are providing psychological support to those returning home in order to help address trauma and assist in their rehabilitation.

However, the exact number of Kenyans who may have died while fighting remains unclear, and Russian authorities have not formally confirmed such reports.

Families seeking information have reportedly approached the Russian embassy in Nairobi but say they were unable to obtain clear answers.

Public pressure has also been mounting. In February, relatives of Kenyans believed to be involved in the conflict staged protests outside parliament in Nairobi, demanding government action and the safe return of their family members.

During his visit to Moscow, Mudavadi is also expected to negotiate agreements aimed at improving employment opportunities for Kenyans in Russia.

“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be defined from the lenses of the special operation [in Ukraine] agenda only,” he said. “The relationship between Kenya and Russia is much more broader than that.”

Estimates from Ukrainian intelligence suggest that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russian forces since the conflict began.

Earlier this year, South Africa repatriated 17 citizens who said they had been trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas after being deceived into joining Russian forces.

Ukraine itself has also faced criticism in the past for attempting to recruit foreign fighters, including Africans, to support its own military efforts.

The developments highlight growing concerns across Africa about recruitment networks linked to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Gov. Yusuf Scraps Higher Education Ministry

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dissolved the state’s Ministry of Higher Education as part of a broader restructuring of the education sector in Kano State.

The ministry was previously headed by the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who served as Commissioner for Higher Education.

Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Higher Education has been merged with the existing Ministry of Education in what the government described as a strategic effort to improve coordination and accelerate reforms within the state’s education system.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.

Governor Yusuf explained that following the restructuring, tertiary education oversight will now be handled by a newly created Directorate of Higher Education within the Ministry of Education.

According to the statement, “The directorate will be headed by a Permanent Secretary and supported by the necessary personnel to ensure effective management of higher education institutions in the state.

“Under this restructuring, all agencies under the defunct Higher Education Ministry such as Scholarship Board will return to the Ministry of Education while state owned universities and other Higher Education Institute will also be supervised by the new Directorate under the merged ministry.

“The move is part of the state government’s ongoing State of Education sector reform, aimed at repositioning the sector, eliminating duplication of responsibilities, improving policy coordination across all levels of education and reducing cost of governance,” the statement added.

Governor Yusuf said the restructuring is designed to streamline governance, cut administrative costs, and improve efficiency in the management of education policies and institutions across the state.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating better opportunities for young people.

“Consequently, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and seamless realignment of the affected ministries and their respective departments,” the statement however reads.

Kenya Flood Death Toll Rises To 66: Why Is Nairobi Vulnerable?

By
Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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​Kenya continues to battle devastating flash floods as the national death toll climbed to 66 on Sunday.

While the capital, Nairobi, remains the hardest-hit region, the interior ministry warns that the risk remains high across the country as rivers continue to burst their banks.

​Nairobi Under Water

​Nairobi accounts for exactly half of the fatalities as 33 deaths is recorded so far. Recent overnight downpours led to several high-stakes rescues:

​Matatu Rescue: The Kenya Red Cross saved 11 people trapped in a submerged minibus taxi and two children were rescued from a flooded home as water levels rose rapidly.

​Meanwhile, multiple bridges have been compromised, leading to road closures and the flooding of several schools.

​Why Is The Capital So Vulnerable?

​Despite the heavy rainfall, residents and experts point to man-made issues as the primary drivers of the destruction ranging from blocked and inadequate drainage systems that cannot handle the seasonal volume.

Buildings and developments are also increasingly obstructing natural waterways and residents in areas like Parklands noted that while their cars were submerged in up to 2 meters of water, nearby areas with proper infrastructure remained dry.

​The Response And The Reality

​President William Ruto stated that authorities are actively clearing drainage systems and delivering emergency food and medical aid. However, some local resident associations claim they have been forced to clear debris themselves without government assistance.

​A Regional And Global Pattern

​The crisis extends beyond Kenya’s borders; neighboring Ethiopia has reported over 100 deaths due to recent landslides and floods.

​Climate scientists note that while seasonal rains are normal, the intensity is being amplified by global warming. With the earth having warmed by approximately 1.1°C since the industrial era, extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and severe.

FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Playoff Incidents

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team following incidents that occurred during their tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff clash.

The disciplinary action comes after FIFA’s review of the heated encounter, which drew widespread attention across African football due to the intensity on the pitch and the behaviour of some supporters in the stands. While the governing body confirmed that neither country would face a suspension from international competitions, both football federations were fined and issued warnings for breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.

According to FIFA’s disciplinary committee, the sanctions were largely connected to supporter misconduct and match-day security breaches during the playoff fixture. Reports from match officials indicated that objects were thrown onto the pitch by sections of the crowd, while other disturbances were recorded around the stadium.

As a result, the Nigeria Football Federation was found responsible for failing to adequately control the behaviour of some Nigerian supporters during the match. FIFA’s regulations hold national associations accountable for the conduct of their fans at international fixtures, particularly when incidents disrupt play or endanger players and officials.

The world football governing body emphasized that maintaining order and safety at matches is a key responsibility for all participating federations.

DR Congo Federation Also Penalised

The football authorities in DR Congo were also not spared from disciplinary action. FIFA ruled that the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association had committed separate infractions related to supporter behaviour and organisational issues surrounding the match.

Although the governing body did not outline every specific incident in detail, the disciplinary panel concluded that both sides failed to fully meet the standards required for international matches.

Despite the sanctions, the outcome of the playoff match itself remains unchanged. DR Congo’s result in the game stands, meaning the team continues its push toward securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, meanwhile, was left frustrated after the encounter, which had already generated debate and scrutiny among supporters and football administrators in the aftermath of the match.
FIFA stressed that the punishments were financial and administrative rather than sporting sanctions, meaning neither team faces bans from future competitions. Instead, the fines serve as a warning to both federations to strengthen crowd management, stadium security, and match organisation in future international fixtures.

The ruling effectively closes the disciplinary review surrounding the controversial playoff clash, while also highlighting FIFA’s continued efforts to clamp down on supporter misconduct and ensure higher safety standards across global football competitions.

Pope Leo XIV Returns To Apostolic Palace After Major Restoration

By
Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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​For the first time in over a decade, the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is occupied once again.

On March 14, Pope Leo XIV officially moved into the historic quarters, marking a significant return to centuries-old Vatican ciry tradition.

​The move comes roughly 10 months after his election, ending a temporary stay at the Palace of the Holy Office. This transition effectively ends the precedent set by Pope Francis, who famously opted to live in the more modest Casa Santa Marta during his entire pontificate.

​Key Details Of The Move

The apartment had been vacant since Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013. It recently underwent a meticulous, months-long renovation to prepare for Leo XIV.

The Pope is expected to be joined in the residence by his two secretaries, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga (Peru) and Father Marco Billeri (Italy).

​The residence includes a private chapel for daily Mass, a dining room, and the famous private study, the window from which the Pope delivers the weekly Angelus.

​A Return To Tradition

​Pope Leo XIV is making a clear move toward reinstating classic papal customs and beyond the return to the Apostolic Palace, he has also revived the use of the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.

​After spending the summer of 2025 at Villa Barberini, the Holy Father has established a new routine, traveling to Castel Gandolfo nearly every week for short retreats from Monday evening through Tuesday.

Arsenal Strengthen Title Charge As Barcelona Respond In La Liga

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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The Premier League title race took another dramatic turn over the weekend as Arsenal FC tightened their grip on top spot while Manchester City dropped crucial points.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a 2–0 victory over Everton FC, but the result was far from straightforward. The league leaders struggled to break down a resilient Everton side for most of the match before the game came alive late on. Viktor Gyökeres finally broke the deadlock in the closing minutes, and the drama continued when 16-year-old Max Dowman scored Arsenal’s second goal in stoppage time, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history. The win pushed Arsenal further ahead in the standings and strengthened their bid for a first league title since 2004.

Meanwhile at the London Stadium, Manchester City were held to a 1–1 draw by West Ham United in a result that significantly dented their title hopes. City dominated possession and chances throughout the match, but their superiority did not translate into victory. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring with a clever lob in the 31st minute, but West Ham responded shortly after when Konstantinos Mavropanos headed in from a corner. Despite relentless pressure from City, the hosts held on for a valuable point. The dropped points left City nine points behind Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand, intensifying the pressure in the title race.
Other Premier League Matches

Manchester United Defeat Aston Villa

At Old Trafford, Manchester United secured an important 3–1 victory over Aston Villa, strengthening their position in the race for Champions League qualification. Bruno Fernandes delivered a standout performance, providing key assists and orchestrating United’s attacking play as they maintained their hold on third place in the table.

Newcastle Stun Chelsea At Stamford Bridge

Elsewhere, Newcastle United claimed a 1–0 away win against Chelsea FC. Anthony Gordon scored the decisive goal in the 18th minute after a well-worked move involving Tino Livramento and Joe Willock. Despite Chelsea dominating possession for long stretches, Newcastle defended resolutely and held on for a rare victory at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool And Tottenham Share The Points

At Anfield, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur played out a 1–1 draw in an entertaining contest. Tottenham striker Richarlison found the equaliser to earn Spurs a point in a match that saw both teams struggle to convert several chances.

Other results from the round included Crystal Palace drawing with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest sharing the spoils with Fulham FC, and Brighton & Hove Albion edging Sunderland AFC in a narrow encounter.

With only a handful of matches remaining, Arsenal’s growing lead has put them firmly in control of the title race, while City now face a difficult challenge to close the gap in the final stretch of the season.

La Liga Review

Barcelona Respond in Style to Stay Top

In La Liga, league leaders FC Barcelona delivered an emphatic statement with a 5–2 victory over Sevilla FC at Camp Nou.

Brazilian winger Raphinha stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, scoring twice from the penalty spot in the first half before completing his treble early in the second. Goals from Dani Olmo and João Cancelo rounded off a dominant performance for Barcelona. Sevilla managed two responses through Oso and Djibril Sow, but they were unable to contain the hosts’ attacking quality. The win restored Barcelona’s four-point lead at the top of the table.

Real Madrid Keep Pressure On The Leaders

Earlier in the weekend, Real Madrid CF had temporarily reduced the gap at the summit with a 4–1 win over Elche CF. Madrid’s victory briefly moved them within a point of Barcelona before the Catalan side responded with their emphatic win over Sevilla to re-establish control of the title race.

The weekend’s football action saw Arsenal tighten their grip on the Premier League title race, capitalizing on Manchester City’s slip at West Ham. In Spain, Barcelona responded strongly to Real Madrid’s win, with Raphinha’s hat-trick ensuring the Catalan giants remain firmly on top of La Liga.

Ondo Government Restricts Motorcycle Operations Across 18 LGAs

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Ondo State Government has introduced new security measures restricting the operations of commercial motorcycles across all 18 local government areas of the state.

The directive, which took effect on Wednesday, limits motorcycle operations between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., as part of efforts to strengthen security and maintain public order.

The announcement was made by Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency Amotekun Corps, during a briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

Adeleye explained that the directive was issued on the instruction of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and in line with existing state laws on public safety.

“I want to put it on record that by the directive of the governor of Ondo State and pursuant to the relevant laws and public safety regulations of Ondo State, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, hereby notifies the general public of the following security measures and regulatory directives currently in force within the state.

“These measures are aimed at strengthening security, maintaining public order, and protecting lives and property across Ondo State. Members of the public are therefore required to take note of and comply with the following directives. One, a restriction on the use of motorcycles at night. The operational use of motorcycles within Ondo State is prohibited between the hours of 7 pm and 6 am.”

According to him, the restriction applies to all motorcycle operators except security personnel and individuals providing essential services who are officially exempted by the government.

He also stated that all motorcycle riders must register with the Amotekun Corps and obtain the required certification before operating within the state.

“All motorcycle users and operators within the state shall register and obtain the requisite certification from the Ondo State Security Network Agency either at the headquarters of the Corps or the various local government commands of the Corps. Any person who fails to comply with this registration requirement shall be deemed to be operating unlawfully within the state.”

As part of the broader security strategy, the government also banned the activities of cart pushers in major cities across the state.

“The activities of cart pushes within major metropolises across Ondo State are hereby prohibited. This measure is intended to promote public safety, ensure better traffic management, and maintain environmental order within urban centres.”

Authorities further directed dealers in condemned iron scrap metals to register with the government within two weeks.

“Mandatory registrations of dealers in condemned iron scrap metals. All persons and businesses dealing in condemned iron scraps or related metallic materials within Ondo State are hereby directed to register with the Ondo State government within two weeks from the date of this announcement, that is today. Failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period may result in appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with the law.”

The government also banned the display and sale of farm produce in unauthorized locations across the state.

“The display or sale of farm produce in any place other than the approved market is hereby prohibited.”

Meanwhile, the Amotekun Corps disclosed that 70 suspects have been arrested across the state for various criminal offences.

While presenting the suspects on Wednesday, Adeleye said they were linked to crimes including kidnapping, burglary, vandalism, theft and human trafficking.

“Today, I’m parading 70 suspects, and out of these 70, we have 39 breaking the law and order. We have 18 kidnapped suspects arrested across the state. We have one anti-grazing, one human trafficking, and 11 arrests on court-related cases.”

He added that the arrests were part of ongoing operations to strengthen security and protect residents across Ondo State.

Nine Nigerian Senators Defect To ADC In Major Senate Realignment

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Nine senators in the Nigerian Senate have officially defected from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what observers describe as one of the most notable political shifts in the chamber in recent months.

The defections were announced during plenary on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the letters submitted by the lawmakers informing the Senate of their decision to leave their former parties.

Among those who joined the ADC are Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central), all of whom previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Also joining the ADC are Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Tony Nwoye(Anambra North), who were elected under the Labour Party (LP). In addition, Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the ADC.

While reading one of the letters on the floor of the chamber, Akpabio quoted Tambuwal as attributing his defection to internal disputes within the PDP.

“The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, litigations, and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my active participation and commitment as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The ongoing conflicts have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party. Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.”

However, the Senate leadership indicated that it would examine the circumstances surrounding Abaribe’s defection. He has been given one week to reconsider his decision after questions emerged over whether his claim of being removed from APGA leadership structures in September 2025 satisfies constitutional provisions for defection without risking his Senate seat.

The latest development highlights the ongoing political realignments within the 10th Senate, where lawmakers have increasingly changed party affiliations amid internal conflicts in several opposition parties.

Following the defections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) still maintains a commanding majority with 87 senators, while the PDP’s representation has dropped to seven members.

The ADC, strengthened by the new entrants, now also has seven senators in the chamber.

Other minority parties represented in the Senate include APGA, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), each with one senator, bringing the total number of lawmakers currently sitting in the Senate to 106.

With the latest defections, both the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) now have no representation in the Senate.

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