Six PDP, LP Reps Defect to APC

Six PDP, LP Reps Defect to APC

Six members of the House of Representatives from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers include five PDP lawmakers from Enugu State and Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and left the Labour Party. Their defection was formally announced during Thursday’s plenary session, where Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read their resignation letters from their former parties.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was present at the session.

The lawmakers cited unresolved internal crises within their former parties as the primary reason for their departure, claiming the instability threatened the effectiveness of the opposition.

Following the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party had secured seven of the eight House seats in Enugu State, with the PDP holding one. With this latest development, the APC now commands full control of the Enugu caucus in the House of Representatives.

Speaking to journalists after the announcement, Nnolim Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency and serving as the spokesperson for the defectors, said their decision was driven by a desire to align with Governor Mbah’s development-focused administration.

“Visit Enugu and see the transformation underway,” Nnaji said. “This is not just politics—it’s a courageous leap into the future, rooted in our commitment to reposition Nkanu East and West for greatness.”

He emphasized that Enugu State had long remained in opposition, missing out on national opportunities. “That era is over,” he declared. “We’re stepping forward to be active contributors to Nigeria’s progress.”

Nnaji added that joining the APC would connect their constituencies to national development efforts, promising more infrastructure, jobs, and empowerment for youth and women.

“This wasn’t a rash decision,” he said. “It’s the result of deep reflection and a strong desire to elevate our people.”

The defectors include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta from Enugu State, along with Daniel Asama from Plateau State.