Fourteen Senators of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday defected from their party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while one defected to African Democratic Congress.
This brings the number of APC Senators who have defected from the party to 15.
The senators in a joint letter to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, made their intention known.
The letter reads:
Dear Senate President,
After due consultation, with our constituents and stakeholders in our constituency, in proper recognition section 16 (1G) of the 1999 constitution, and for the fact of our party, The All Progressives Congress, we hereby inform the Senate that we the undersigned;
Senator Dino Melaye
Barnabas Gemade
Ibrahim Danbaba
Shaaba Lafiaji
Mohammed Shitu
Rafiu Ibrahim
Suleiman Hunkuyi
Isa Misau
Monsurat Sunmonu
Soji Akanbi
Usman Nafada
Musa Kwankwaso
Suleiman Nazif
Lanre Tejuosho
We hereby inform that we are changing our political affiliation from APC TO PDP. We thank you for your exemplary leadership.
Similarly, Senator Abdul-Azeez Murtala-Nyako (Adamawa) who had earlier dumped the APC for the African Democratic Congress, also formalised his defection.
Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned its plenary for two months.
The adjournment follows recent attacks on the leadership of the Senate.
Senate President Bukola Saraki made the announcement on Tuesday.
The adjournment is part of the prayers of a motion on the siege on Mr Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.
The lawmakers are to reconvene on September 25, this year.
First, the Senators are to go on a 30-minute break to enable them adopt the votes and proceedings of the day.
It is also reported that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has invited Senator Ekweremandu over alleged money laundering.