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

Another PDP Rep member joins APC over party internal crisis

Another member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, Amos Gwamna Magaji has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Magaji, who represents Jaba/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, said he was leaving the PDP as a result of unresolved crisis in the party right from the national to local levels.

The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services, is a two-time member of the House and Chairman of the Kaduna caucus in the House of Representatives.

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He is also Deputy Chairman of the House Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Restructuring of Government Agencies and Commissions looking into the recommendations of the Stephen Oronsaye report

He has also served in the House committees on Defense, Reformation Institutions, Rules & Business, Christian Pilgrimage, Police Affairs, F.C.T Area Councils and represent Kaduna state in the House Committee on Constitution Review.

Magaji is the third member of the PDP defecting to the APC since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly after Chris Nkwonta and Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu.

Objecting to Magaji’s defection, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, asked the Speaker to declare the seat of the Kaduna lawmakers vacant.

Citing section 68(1g) of the Constitution, Chinda said members of the House were lawmakers not law breakers, stressing that while the law allow any member to leave the on whose platform he was elected, it also spelt out the consequences associated with the action which include losing his seat.

He said the lawmaker has not complied with the provisions of the law and should therefore be made to lose his seat.

Another PDP Rep member joins APC over party internal crisis

Kenneth Okonkwo resigns from Labour Party

Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, has announced his resignation from the party, citing internal conflicts and leadership challenges.

In a statement released on Monday, Okonkwo stated that his resignation would take effect from February 25, 2025. He expressed his desire to seek political alliances with Nigerians who share his vision for good governance.

The veteran Nollywood actor and political advocate has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party and played a vital role in its presidential campaign.

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“My entrance into politics is for good governance, and I will continue to work for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country of incorruptible men. This aim can no longer be realised within Labour Party as presently constituted,” he stated.

Okonkwo lamented that the party was no longer functional, making it difficult for him to continue his political journey under its platform.

“Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership of the party to all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most and to pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people in all I will decide to do in my political future,” he added.

His resignation date coincides with the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, a move he said symbolizes a new beginning for his political future.

Kenneth Okonkwo resigns from Labour Party