Two more opposition lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further widening the APC’s influence in the House of Representatives.
At Wednesday’s plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read letters of defection from Mr. Ngozi Lawrence Okoli of the LP (Delta State) and Mr. Akinpacho Festus Olaruwaju of the PDP (Ondo State).
Okoli, who represents the Oshimili/Aniocha Federal Constituency of Delta State, stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents and political allies. He noted that aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s development plans influenced his switch to the APC.
Welcomed warmly by APC leaders in the House, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Okoli emphasized that joining the ruling party would help him better deliver dividends of democracy to his constituents.
On his part, Olaruwaju, who represents Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency of Ondo State, cited persistent internal conflicts within the PDP as his reason for leaving. He declared his intention to support the APC’s agenda and ensure his constituents benefit from the current administration’s programs.
“This is due to internal conflicts within my former party and my desire to position my constituents for the great benefits of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Government,” he said.
Minority Leader Challenges Defections
Reacting to the defections, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised a point of order, questioning their constitutionality. He argued that the lawmakers provided no valid justification as required by Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits elected officials from switching parties without credible cause.
Chinda specifically criticized Okoli’s letter, noting the absence of any mention of his constituents. “It’s clearly a personal decision, and he is on the floor alone,” Chinda stated.
Wave of Defections Reshaping the House
Wednesday’s defections are the latest in a growing trend. Since late 2024, numerous lawmakers have switched allegiance, mostly in favor of the APC. Notable defections include:
- October 2, 2024: Chris Nkwonta (Abia) left PDP for APC.
- October 30: Sulaiman Abubakar (Zamfara) joined APC.
- December 5: Four LP and one PDP members defected to APC.
- February 11–12: Amos Magaji (Kaduna) and Garba Koko (Kebbi) left PDP for APC.
- March 18: Jallo Mohammed (Kaduna) and Adamu Tanko (Niger) joined APC.
- March 27: Clara Nnabuife (Anambra) defected from YPP to APGA.
- May 7: Six PDP members joined APC; two LP lawmakers moved to PDP.
- May 8: Three PDP members from Katsina—Abdullahi Balarabe, Abubakar Albaba Aliyu, and Yusuf Majigiri—defected to APC.
- May 15: Kabiru Usman and Abdullahi Sani (Kano) left NNPP for APC.
- Also in May: Oluwole Oke (Osun) and Sunday Umeha (Enugu), both PDP lawmakers, joined APC.
These moves have significantly tilted the balance in the lower chamber toward the APC, raising concerns among opposition parties about their internal cohesion and long-term political strategy.
