Eight reps of National Assembly as Lawmakers Abandon PDP, LP for APC

The House of Representatives witnessed a fresh wave of political realignments on Tuesday as six lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two from the Labour Party (LP) defected to rival parties, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the chamber.

During plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read formal notices of defection from multiple legislators, a move that further consolidates the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House.

Among the defectors were Obetta Chidi (Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, Enugu) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu, Enugu), both of whom left the LP for the PDP. However, the PDP suffered a net loss as six of its members announced their defection to the APC.

Those jumping ship to the APC include:

Victor Nwokolo (Ika North East/Ika South, Delta), Julius Pondi (Burutu, Delta), Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri North/Warri South/Warri West, Delta), Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi/Patani, Delta) — a veteran legislator in the House since 1999, Ukodhiko Jonathan (Isoko North/Isoko South, Delta), Ezechi Nnamdi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani, Delta)

Citing protracted internal conflicts, factionalism, and a lack of cohesion in their former parties, the defectors claimed their decisions were prompted by their inability to deliver effectively on campaign promises. Many emphasised that their moves were backed by their constituents.

This flurry of defections from Delta State echoes a broader political trend, notably following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent alignment with the APC — a move that has sent ripples across the region’s political landscape.

The House has seen an increasing number of lawmakers abandon their original party platforms in recent months, with the APC emerging as the main beneficiary of this trend.

In October 2024, PDP lawmaker Chris Nkwonta (Ukwa East/West, Abia) and Sulaiman Abubakar (Gummi/Bukkuyum, Zamfara) defected to the APC. By December, four Labour Party members and another PDP lawmaker followed suit.

The momentum continued into 2025, with lawmakers like Amos Magaji (Kaduna), Garba Koko (Kebbi), Jallo Mohammed (Igabi, Kaduna), and Adamu Tanko (Gurara/Suleja/Tafa, Niger) all citing internal party divisions as their reason for switching to the ruling party.

Even outside the two dominant parties, realignments persisted. On March 27, Clara Nnabuife (Orumba North/South, Anambra) left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), claiming marginalisation within her former party.