Unprecedented Takeover: Dynamics and Implications of APC’s Dominance in NASS

Introduction

The political landscape of Nigeria’s National Assembly (NASS) has undergone a seismic shift. What began as a marginal legislative advantage for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has evolved into an unprecedented supermajority. As of late 2025, the APC commands the legislative numbers required to alter the constitution, override presidential vetoes, and impeach top officials without opposition support. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics behind this dominance, the specific numerical breakdown in the Senate and House of Representatives, and the profound implications for Nigerian democracy, governance, and the balance of power.

Key Points

Background

Inception of the 10th National Assembly

On June 12, 2023, the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated. At this juncture, the political balance was precarious. The ruling APC held a slim margin in the Senate, securing 59 seats. The opposition, comprising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), collectively held 50 seats. This narrow gap meant the APC could not independently exercise a decisive two-thirds majority on sensitive national issues. Consequently, the ruling party was forced to negotiate across party lines to pass critical legislation, constitutional amendments, or veto overrides.

Initial Configuration (June 2023)

The composition of the 10th Senate at inception was as follows:

• APC: 59
• PDP: 36
• LP: 8
• NNPP: 2
• SDP: 2
• YPP: 1

This configuration created a dynamic where legislative success depended on coalition building, a stark contrast to the current era of overwhelming dominance.

Analysis: The Dynamics of the Shift

The transformation from a competitive legislature to a dominant-party supermajority did not happen overnight. It was driven by a combination of judicial interventions, strategic political defections, and unfortunate vacancies.

The Role of Court Judgments

In the early months of the 10th Assembly, the courts played a pivotal role in reshaping the Senate numbers. In October 2023, the Court of Appeal nullified the election of Senator Abubakar Ohere (APC, Kogi Central). Consequently, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP) was sworn in on November 2, 2023, boosting the PDP’s tally.

Similarly, the election of Senator Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia Central) was sacked, and Austin Akobundu (PDP) was sworn in on November 15, 2023. These rulings initially strengthened the opposition, raising PDP’s count to 38 seats while marginally reducing APC and LP numbers.

The Wave of Defections

Political realignments significantly altered the balance. The first major shift occurred in October 2023 when the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) defected from the YPP to the APC, effectively wiping out YPP’s representation in the Senate.

The decisive realignments, however, occurred in late 2025:

• October 16, 2025: Senators Benson Konbowei (Bayelsa Central) and Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) defected from the PDP to the APC, pushing APC’s strength to 76.
• November 11, 2025: Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe (Cross River North) moved from PDP to APC, raising APC’s count to 77.
• Early December 2025: Senator Sunday Katung (Kaduna North) defected from PDP to APC.

These defections decimated the opposition ranks and solidified the APC’s control.

Vacancies and Minor Realignments

Political dominance was further cemented by attrition. On November 18, 2025, the Senate lost Senator Okey Ezea (LP, Enugu North). His death reduced the Labour Party’s presence and lowered the total statutory membership to 108.

In a further blow to the opposition, Senator Ireti Kingibe left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in late 2025.

Current Configuration and The Two-Thirds Threshold

As of December 20, 2025, the Senate stands as follows:

• APC: 78
• PDP: 24
• APGA: 2
• LP: 1
• NNPP: 1
• SDP: 1
• ADC: 1
• Vacant: 1 (Due to death)

Constitutional Implications of the Supermajority

Under Chapter X (71) of the Senate Standing Orders 2022 (as amended), voting is conducted via voice vote, register signing, or electronic voting. With 109 statutory seats, a two-thirds majority equates to 73 senators. Even with the current 108-member Senate (one vacancy), the APC comfortably surpasses this threshold with 78 legislators.

This “Super Majority” is not merely symbolic; it is the key to the most powerful legislative functions. In the House of Representatives, the trend is identical. The APC holds 240 seats against the PDP’s 74, LP’s 25, NNPP’s 15, SDP’s 3, and YPP’s 1. The APC has secured a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Practical Advice: Understanding the Legislative Mechanisms

What Requires a Two-Thirds Majority?

For observers of Nigerian politics, understanding the distinction between a “Simple Majority” and a “Super Majority” is vital. While routine governance relies on simple numbers, the architecture of the state relies on the supermajority. The APC now holds the exclusive power to execute the following without needing a single opposition vote:

1. Constitutional Amendments: Altering the grundnorm requires a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House, plus approval by two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.
2. Veto Overrides: If the President vetoes a bill passed by the NASS, the legislature can override that veto with a two-thirds vote.
3. Impeachment: Removing the President or Vice President requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
4. State of Emergency: Approving a declaration of a state of emergency (as seen in Rivers State in 2025) requires legislative backing.
5. Creation of States: The creation of new states is strictly contingent on a two-thirds majority.

Simple Majority vs. Super Majority

It is important to note that the Senate operates largely on a simple majority for routine matters. These include:

• Passage of ordinary bills (at second and third readings).
• Election of presiding officials (Senate President, Deputy).
• Adoption of committee reports.
• Confirmation of appointments.
• Procedural motions.

However, once a bill is vetoed by the President, the threshold shifts immediately to two-thirds.

The Committee of the Whole

A crucial but often overlooked aspect of the legislative process is the “Committee of the Whole.” This is a procedural device where the entire Senate sits as a committee. Here:

• Bills are examined clause-by-clause.
• Amendments are introduced under flexible rules.
• Convention committee reports are considered.

The Senate President steps down from the chair during these sessions to symbolize a less formal, more deliberative environment. However, even here, the APC’s numerical strength ensures that their proposed amendments or clauses will likely pass.

FAQ

Conclusion

The dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly represents a historic consolidation of power. Through a combination of judicial rulings, strategic defections, and attrition, the APC has moved from a slim margin to a commanding two-thirds supermajority. This shift fundamentally alters the dynamics of governance in Nigeria. It grants the ruling party the legislative muscle to reshape the constitution and override the executive branch if necessary.

While this dominance offers the potential for seamless governance and the swift passage of reform bills, it also raises questions regarding the strength of legislative oversight and the protection of minority interests. As the 10th Assembly progresses, the utilization of this unprecedented power—whether to “make” or “mar” the polity—will remain the central narrative of Nigerian democracy.