APC is now the minority party in the Senate as Melaye and 15 others switch camps.

Sixteen senators have deflected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their notice of deflection was contained in a letter read by Senate President Bukola Saraki on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.

The letter reads:

“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;

Senators:

1. Dino Melaye
2. Barnabas Gemade
3. Ibrahim Danbaba
4. Shaaba Lafiaji
5. Mohammed Shitu
6. Rafiu Ibrahim
7. Suleiman Hunkuyi
8. Isa Misau
9. Monsurat Sunmonu
10. Soji Akanbi
11. Usman Nafada
12. Musa Kwankwaso
13. Suleiman Nazif
14. Lanre Tejuosho

We hereby inform you that we are changing our political affiliation from APC to PDP. We thank you for your exemplary leadership.”

In a follow-up announcement, Mr Saraki said, Senator Abdulazaz Nyako, has also announced his defection.

The deflection effectively has made the ruling All Progressives Congress which previously had 60 members in the senate, the minority.