Senator Ned Nwoko has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party in turmoil, following the reading of his defection letter on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In the letter titled "Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)," Nwoko stated that he resigned from the largest opposition party due to its "persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction."

He noted that his decision was made after consulting with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across the Delta North Senatorial District.

With Nwoko’s defection, the APC now holds 64 Senate seats, while the PDP has been reduced to 33. The Labour Party (LP) has five senators, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) each have two, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has one.

The total number of senators in the 10th Senate currently stands at 107.

Meanwhile, the Anambra South seat remains vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the Edo Central seat is also unoccupied after Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as the governor-elect of Edo State in the September 21, 2024, election.

Nwoko’s letter read in part: “I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and consequently join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North senatorial district.

‘’The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.

‘’If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.

“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy.’’