The ruling APC gains two more members as lawmakers dump PDP and LP
Two members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced their defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Both cited unresolved internal crises within their former parties.
The defectors are Rep. Peter Akpanke, who represents Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of Cross River State, and Rep. Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State.
Their defection letters were formally read on the floor of the House during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
In his letter, Rep. Akpanke attributed his exit from the PDP to a “protracted crisis that has defied resolution,” noting that the persistent instability within the party had made it difficult to deliver effectively on his mandate.
“I remain grateful to the PDP for the platform it gave me to serve,” Akpanke said. “But the absence of peace and cohesion in the party has necessitated this decision to move to another platform.”
On his part, Rep. Nnamchi also blamed his departure from the Labour Party on ongoing leadership tussles that have continued to weaken the party’s structure.
Both lawmakers pledged their commitment to contributing to national development under the APC. Their defection further strengthens the ruling party’s majority in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
