Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a step towards building a government of national unity that Nigerians have long desired.

Speaking at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, Bamidele justified the defection of three Senators from Kebbi State who recently abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling APC.

"The APC is now running a government of national unity," declared Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the upper chamber.

The Senate Leader defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over the defections, emphasizing that the President did not coerce any opposition members to join the APC.

The formal announcement of the defections took place in the Senate Chamber with APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Executive Council members in attendance. The defectors include Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki from Kebbi State.

These Senators, along with all House of Representatives members from Kebbi, had previously informed President Tinubu of their decision to join the ruling party during a meeting at the Presidential Villa over the weekend.

The defections have sparked reactions across Nigeria's political landscape, with opposition voices expressing concern while APC supporters celebrate the expanding influence of the ruling party.

Political analysts suggest these defections may significantly alter the balance of power in the National Assembly, potentially strengthening the APC's legislative agenda as the party continues to attract members from opposition ranks.