Koko and Magaji’s defection brings the total number of PDP defectors in the House of Representatives to five
The wave of defections in the House of Representatives has continued to weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as another lawmaker, Rep. Salisu Garba Koko, representing Koko/Besse/Mayama federal constituency of Kebbi State, switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
This latest defection, announced during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, brings the total number of PDP defectors in the current House to five. Earlier defectors include Rep. Amos Magaji (Kaduna), Rep. Chris Nkwonta (Abia), Rep. Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu (Delta), and Rep. Suleiman Gumi (Zamfara).
In his letter, Rep. Koko cited the “long protracted crisis” within the PDP as the reason for his decision, stating it had become impossible for him to remain in the party.
However, Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) dismissed Koko’s claims of a protracted crisis, arguing that challenges exist across political parties. “While people might look for excuses to defect to other parties, it is wrong to allege that there is a protracted crisis in the PDP,” Chinda said.
Chinda called on Speaker Abbas to enforce the constitutional provision that mandates defecting lawmakers vacate their seats. He cited Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that, “The law allows members to leave the platform on which they were elected, but it also spells out consequences, including losing their seat.”
Rep. Ben Etanebene (LP, Delta) echoed this sentiment, questioning whether defectors would return their certificates of return, which bear the names of their constituencies and the party on which they where elected. He emphasized that the constitutional provision to declare defectors’ seats vacant is mandatory.
In response, Speaker Abbas maintained that only the courts have the authority to declare seats vacant. “The House will act based on the letters submitted by members. However, any further action can be pursued in court,” he said.
Magaji’s Defection
Rep. Amos Magaji’s defection from PDP to APC during Tuesday’s plenary added to the growing exodus from the opposition party.
Magaji, who represents Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, attributed his move to an “unresolved crisis” within the PDP across all levels.
Magaji, a two-term lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services, also serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Restructuring of Government Agencies and Commissions. He has previously held key roles in committees on defense, police affairs, and constitutional review.
Minority Leader Chinda challenged Magaji’s defection, insisting the Speaker declare his seat vacant in line with constitutional provisions. Addressing the matter, Speaker Abbas noted that Magaji had “taken the necessary steps” and advised Chinda to submit his grievances in writing for further review.
The continued defections and resulting debates highlight the shifting political landscape in the House of Representatives and raise critical questions about party loyalty and constitutional compliance.
