The House of Representatives on Tuesday recorded another round of defections, with 13 lawmakers announcing their departure from various political parties, citing internal crises, leadership disputes and the need to better represent their constituents.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the lawmakers’ letters during plenary, outlining the reasons for their decisions.
Among the defectors, Gaza moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), while Alex Ehnona left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledging to maintain his commitment to legislative duties.
Esosa Iyawo also switched from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), blaming unresolved disagreements within the Edo APC and the party’s inability to address members’ concerns. The lawmaker said the move was necessary to uphold democratic principles and effective representation.
Sani Lawal and Shehu Tafoki separately dumped the APC, with Tafoki joining the PDP after consultations aimed at improving service delivery to his constituents.
A major shift occurred in Oyo State, where six PDP lawmakers — Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle and Abbas Adigun — defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The lawmakers attributed their exit to persistent leadership disputes, internal divisions and legal battles within the PDP. They said extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders informed their decision.
The PDP, however, gained one member as Etanebene Benedict left the Labour Party to join the opposition party. Benedict cited the dissolution of the LP’s executive structure and the absence of recognised party officials during the nomination process. He also alleged that several Labour Party leaders were openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, making it difficult for him to remain in the party.
Also, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State announced his defection from the PDP to the APM.
In a related development, Kingsley Chinda formally resigned as Minority Leader of the House following his recent move from the PDP to the APC.
Chinda, who emerged as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 Rivers State election, informed the House of his resignation, ending his tenure as leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.