Abuja, Nigeria
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained two members from Kaunda and Niger States who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections in a letter read during a plenary of the green chamber on Tuesday.
The lawmakers include Jallo Mohammed Igabi of Kaduna state and Adamu Tanko of the Gurara/Suleja/Tapa, Niger state.
They said their defections to the “party’s crisis and internal divisions”.
In their claims, they said the crisis in the PDP is preventing them from fulfilling their duties to their constituents.
“This unfortunate turn of events has left me with no choice but to seek a more stable political platform through which I can better serve the interests and aspirations of my constituents,” Mohammed wrote.
“Furthermore, I have been inspired by your (Abbas) excellent and exemplary leadership.
“Your dedication to national unity, good governance, and legislative excellence has convinced me that the All Progressives Congress is the appropriate platform to further my legislative and constituency development agenda.
“I acknowledge and appreciate the support I have received from colleagues in the PDP over the years. Nevertheless, the current challenges besetting the party made it untenable for me to continue under the present circumstances.”
Similarly, Tanko said he joined the APC after “careful consideration and consultation with my constituents”.
Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, voiced his opposition to the defections, asserting that there was no evidence of a crisis within the party.
In recent weeks, several lawmakers have switched allegiance from the PDP and LP to the APC.
On October 2, Chris Nkwonta, who represents the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in Abia State, left the PDP for the APC.
On October 30, Sulaiman Abubakar, who represents the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara, defected from the PDP to the APC.
On December 5, four members of the LP and one PDP lawmaker in the House of Representatives joined the APC.
On February 11, Amos Magaji from Kaduna crossed from the PDP to the APC.
On February 12, Garba Koko from Kebbi also defected from the PDP to the APC.
