Two PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC in House of Representatives

Defection of PDP Members Shakes House of Representatives

In a significant political shift, two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, confirming the movement of the lawmakers.

The defection marks another major development in Nigeria’s political landscape, as party switches continue to redefine alliances ahead of future elections. The identities of the defecting lawmakers were not immediately disclosed, but their departure from the PDP signifies growing realignments within the National Assembly.

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Defectors Cite Reasons for Political Shift

Although the reasons behind their defection were not explicitly stated during the announcement, party switchers in Nigeria’s political sphere often cite internal crises, leadership disputes, or alignment with government policies as key motivations. The APC, being the ruling party, has consistently attracted opposition lawmakers who seek to align with the government for political and developmental benefits in their constituencies.

This latest defection further weakens the PDP’s presence in the House of Representatives, raising concerns about the opposition party’s strength and unity. The PDP has faced multiple defections in recent years, with many lawmakers opting to join the APC due to internal conflicts and strategic political interests.

Reactions and Implications

The defection announcement has sparked reactions from political observers, party leaders, and the general public. While APC members have welcomed the move as a sign of growing confidence in their party’s leadership, PDP loyalists have criticized the defectors for abandoning the party that brought them into office.

The PDP is expected to respond officially in the coming days, potentially challenging the defection based on constitutional provisions that require lawmakers to justify their switch with valid reasons, such as a division within their former party. Legal battles have previously ensued over similar cases, with courts sometimes ruling against defectors and declaring their seats vacant.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, with defections playing a key role in shaping party dynamics. The APC, currently in control of the presidency and the National Assembly, appears to be strengthening its hold by attracting opposition members into its fold.

For now, the focus remains on how the PDP will respond to this latest setback and whether more defections will follow in the coming months.