Six opposition lawmakers defect to APC, cited party crisis and the need to align with the party at center
The minority bloc in the House of Representatives suffered another major blow on Thursday as six lawmakers announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within their former parties.
The defectors include Rep. Daniel Asama from Plateau State, who dumped the Labour Party (LP), and five lawmakers from Enugu State — Rep. Chidi Obetta, Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu, Rep. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, Rep. Martins Okei George, and Rep. Nnolim Nnaji — who all left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
With this defection all the eight members of Enugu State in the House are now under APC.
Their letters of defection, read by the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary, attributed the decision to “protracted and irreconcilable crises” within their respective parties, which they said had made it difficult to continue to pursue their legislative responsibilities effectively.
In an address delivered by Rep. Nnolim Nnaji on behalf of the Enugu caucus, the lawmakers declared that their defection was driven by a desire to align with the “transformational leadership” of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and to connect the state with the “national grid of development” being driven by the APC.
“This is not just a political move — it is a bold step into the future,” Rep. Nnaji said. “We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress. By aligning with the APC, we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development.”
He commended Governor Mbah for his “visionary leadership” and “transformational governance” in sectors such as education, aviation, science, and information technology, noting that Enugu had become “a reference point for good leadership” under his administration.
“Through Governor Mbah, Enugu State has witnessed security, infrastructural renewal, and growing investor confidence,” he added. “We believe this decision will open the gates of a new dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity for our people.”
The defectors pledged to continue representing their constituents effectively in the House and to work toward attracting more federal projects and opportunities to their communities.
“As your representatives, we remain your voice, your advocate, and your servant in the National Assembly. We will continue to defend your interests, attract development, and ensure that every corner of Enugu State feels the impact of good governance.” they affirmed
Notably, their defection was witnessed by APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and others after the House set aside their rules to allow them into the green chamber.
