Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Four members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that further strengthens the governing party’s presence in the National Assembly.

The lawmakers who announced their defection during plenary are Inuwa Garuba, representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also in Gombe State; and Mohammed Audu, representing Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency of Taraba State. The three lawmakers were elected on the platform of the PDP but have now aligned with the APC.

A fourth lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party also joined the APC, citing political realignment and the need to better serve constituents, although details of the defection were still emerging at the time of filing this report.

The defections were formally communicated to the House leadership during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the letters submitted by the affected lawmakers.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited internal crises within their former parties and the need to align politically with developments in their states as key reasons for their decision to move to the APC. They also said joining the ruling party would enable them to attract more federal projects and development initiatives to their constituencies. Political observers note that similar reasons have often been cited by lawmakers who change political parties.

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The defections sparked mixed reactions within the chamber. While APC lawmakers welcomed the new members, some opposition legislators expressed concern over the growing trend of defections in the National Assembly. According to them, frequent cross-carpeting weakens party ideology and undermines the mandate given to political parties by voters during elections. However, supporters of the defecting lawmakers argued that the Nigerian constitution allows lawmakers to change parties, particularly when there are divisions or crises within their original platforms.

The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that have taken place within the National Assembly since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in 2023. The APC, which controls the executive arm of government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to attract lawmakers from opposition parties. In recent weeks, some senators elected on the PDP platform also defected to the APC, reflecting shifting political alliances ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say the development could further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the National Assembly, making it easier for the ruling party to pass government-backed legislation. However, critics warn that the weakening of opposition parties may reduce the level of debate and oversight expected in a vibrant democratic system. With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the next electoral cycle, observers believe more defections could occur as politicians reposition themselves within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC