The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost three members in the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as a wave of defections continues to reshape party alignments in the green chamber
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost three members in the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is as a wave of defections reshaped party alignments in the green chamber on Wednesday.
In total, five lawmakers announced changes to their party affiliations during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who read their letters on the floor.
Those who defected from the PDP to the APC are Rep. Inuwa Garba (Gombe), Rep. Abdullahi Bashir (Gombe) , and Rep. Mohammed Audu (Taraba).
Also, Rep. Joshua Chinedu Obika (FCT), moved from the Labour Party to the APC, while Rep. Adewale Morufu Adebayo (Osun), defected from the PDP to the Accord Party.
In their respective letters, the lawmakers cited persistent internal crises and leadership disputes within their former parties as the primary reasons for their decisions.
One of the defectors, Rep. Garba, said his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political supporters.
“With deep sense of respect, I write to formally notify you and my honourable colleagues of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he stated.
“This decision comes after sincere reflection and wide consultations with my constituents and supporters across my constituency.”
He added that the “persistent internal challenges within the party” had made it increasingly difficult for him to effectively pursue the aspirations and development needs of the people he represents.
Similarly, Rep. Bashir said his defection was taken in the “overriding collective interest” of his constituents following months of consultations with party stakeholders, family members, and political associates.
He said the decision was also influenced by the ongoing crisis within the PDP, which he said had weakened the party’s cohesion and its ability to effectively serve members and the public.
“At the conclusion of these wide-ranging consultations, a collective decision was made that I should resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and align with the All Progressives Congress,” he said.
Bashir added that joining the APC would help position his constituency within the mainstream of national governance for greater developmental opportunities.
He also cited the “transformative renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Tinubu as one of the factors that informed his decision.
Meanwhile, Rep. Obika, who defected from the Labour Party to the APC, said his move was necessitated by the “prolonged and unresolved leadership crisis” within his former party.
According to him, the internal divisions had resulted in multiple factions and undermined the party’s ability to function effectively.
“The impact of this internal crisis was most evident during the recent area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, where the Labour Party’s candidates were not uploaded on the INEC portal, leading to widespread disenfranchisement of party supporters,” he said.
Obika said his decision was also influenced by persistent appeals from constituents and political stakeholders urging him to return to the APC.
On his part, Rep. Audu said the protracted crisis within the PDP had significantly affected its ability to maintain cohesion and deliver on its mandate.
“This unfortunate turn of events has left me with no choice but to seek a more stable political platform through which I can better serve the interests and aspirations of my constituents,” he said.
In contrast, Rep. Adewale Morufu Adebayo opted to leave the PDP for the Accord Party, citing internal divisions and leadership disputes within the opposition party.
After the letters were read, Speaker Abbas welcomed the defectors to their new political platforms, congratulating those who joined the ruling party.
“Congratulations for joining the greatest party in Africa,” the speaker said while addressing the new APC members.
He added that they would soon understand the difference between serving as opposition lawmakers and being part of the majority caucus in the House.
The defections come amid continuing internal tensions within several opposition parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, which analysts say have contributed to shifting political loyalties within the National Assembly.
