A fresh wave of defections has hit the House of Representatives, with six lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) announcing their decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday.
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, formally announced the defections during Thursday’s plenary session after reading individual letters submitted by the lawmakers. Five of the defectors hail from Enugu State, while one represents Plateau State.
Lawmakers cite internal divisions as reason for defection
The six lawmakers who switched allegiance to the APC include Daniel Ago (LP, Plateau), Chidi Obetta (PDP, Enugu), Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP, Enugu), Dennis Agbo (PDP, Enugu), Martins George (PDP, Enugu), and Nnaji Nnolim (PDP, Enugu).
In their letters to the Speaker, the defectors cited “irreconcilable differences” and internal divisions within their former parties as the primary reasons for joining the APC. This move underscores ongoing challenges within the PDP and LP, where factional disputes and leadership crises have persisted since the 2023 general elections.
APC members welcome new lawmakers amid cheers
Following the official announcement, the defecting lawmakers were led to the Speaker’s seat, where they were formally received and welcomed into the APC by members of the ruling party in the chamber. The development is seen as part of a broader trend of lawmakers leaving opposition parties for the APC in recent weeks, highlighting the party’s growing influence within the National Assembly.
Political realignment in the South-east
The defections come at a time of renewed political realignment across the country, particularly in the South-east, where the APC has been working to strengthen its presence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who recently moved from the PDP to the APC, and APC National Chairperson, Nentawe Yilwatda, were present in the chamber to observe Thursday’s proceedings.
Observers note that the party has been consolidating its influence by attracting lawmakers from opposition parties, especially in regions where it has historically had a limited footprint. The recent moves reflect the APC’s strategy to expand its political base and increase its leverage in legislative processes.
Opposition parties face internal challenges
The defections also highlight ongoing instability within the PDP and LP. The PDP continues to grapple with factional disputes in multiple states, while the LP is dealing with a leadership crisis involving its National Chairperson, Julius Abure, and the faction led by Nenadi Usman. These internal conflicts have fueled the migration of lawmakers to the ruling party, as many seek a more stable political platform.
Political analysts suggest that the recent wave of defections could reshape party alignments in the National Assembly, giving the APC further advantage in legislative matters. It also reflects the dynamic and often fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, where internal party cohesion and strategic alliances play a crucial role in shaping future elections.
