Another PDP lawmaker defects to APC amid party crisis

Another PDP lawmaker defects to APC amid party crisis

In a significant political shift, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has lost yet another member of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This marks the second defection in just two days, highlighting the ongoing turbulence within the opposition party.

Salisu Garba Koko, the lawmaker representing the Koko/Besse/Mayama federal constituency of Kebbi State, formally announced his defection to the APC during a plenary session.

His decision was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, signaling his official departure from the PDP.

Koko cited the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP as the key reason for his defection, stating that the party’s instability had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain a member.

However, rising under a point of order, Minority Leader, Kingsley China dismissed the claim of a protracted crisis in the PDP, saying what is happening is also happening in other parties.

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Chinda said while people might look for excuses to defect to other parties, it was wrong to allege that there is a protracted crisis in the PDP.

He however asked the Speaker to do the needful in accordance with the constitution of the country by declaring the seat of the member and all others that have defected vacant for them to go back to face their constituents in another round of election.

Also, Ben Etanebene (LP) Delta wondered whether those defecting will return to INEC to change their certificates of return which already has their name, party and federal constituency.

He supported the call by the Minority Leader for the seat of the defectors to be declared vacant, emphasising the operating word in the Constitution is shall, which makes it mandatory for the seats to be declared vacant.

But Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said only the Courts of the land can declare the seats of members vacant, adding that the House will act on the content of the letter sent to it by members.

Another PDP lawmaker defects to APC amid party crisis