Nigeria’s opposition parties suffered fresh setbacks in the House of Representatives of Nigeria on Thursday as several lawmakers switched allegiance to rival political platforms, deepening the wave of political realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The latest defections came just 24 hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost four members in the Green Chamber to other parties. On Thursday, the PDP lost six additional lawmakers, while the Labour Party also saw five of its members defect.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, announced the developments during plenary, attributing the movement of lawmakers largely to internal crises within the opposition parties.
Among those who left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) were Bitrus Kwamoti, Zakaria Nyampa, James Barka, and Kobis Thinmu, all representing constituencies in Adamawa State. Also joining the ruling party were Mohammed Bargaja from Sokoto State and Midala Balami from Borno State.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also gained several lawmakers from the Labour Party. Those who defected include Afam Ogene, Lilian Orogbu, and Peter Aniekwe from Anambra State. Two other Labour Party legislators Jessy Onuakalusi from Lagos State and Osaro Omoruyi from Edo State also joined the ADC.
In addition, Peter Uzokwe, an Anambra lawmaker elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party, defected to the ADC.
Welcoming the defectors to the APC, Kalu described the ruling party as a broad and inclusive political platform, noting that its growing membership reflects increasing confidence in its leadership and programmes.
He added that more defections could be on the horizon, revealing that the House had already received letters from some lawmakers indicating their intention to join the APC.
“Some of our colleagues want to move to the APC. We have their letters here, but we cannot officially announce their defections in their absence,” Kalu said.
The latest developments underscore the intensifying political shifts within Nigeria’s legislature, as parties reposition themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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