Two opposition lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal conflicts within their former party.
Husseini Mohammed Jallo, representing Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Adamu Tanko, representing Suleja/Tara/Gurara Federal Constituency in Niger State, announced their defections in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Jallo explained his decision by pointing to the ongoing crisis within the PDP, which he said had hindered his ability to effectively serve his constituents. He praised the leadership of the Speaker and expressed his belief that the APC offered a more stable platform for his political future. Similarly, Tanko stated that after consulting extensively with his constituents, he chose to join the APC.
The defections prompted reactions from opposition lawmakers. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised a constitutional point of order, referencing a Supreme Court ruling on party defections and arguing that the lawmakers had not followed the proper process. Deputy Minority Leader Ali Isa JC argued that the defectors should either withdraw their letters or resign and seek new mandates from their constituents. He also reiterated that the PDP remains a strong opposition party, dismissing claims of internal turmoil.
These defections come amid a broader shift in the National Assembly’s political landscape, with the APC consolidating its influence ahead of upcoming elections.