Two PDP house of reps members defect to APC over ‘internal divisions’

Two members of the House of Representatives from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal turmoil within their former party.

Husseini Mohammed Jallo, representing Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, and Adamu Tanko, representing Suleja/Tara/Gurara Federal Constituency of Niger State, formally announced their defections in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Jallo attributed his decision to the persistent crisis within the PDP, stating that it had hindered his ability to effectively serve his constituents. He also praised the leadership style of the Speaker and emphasized his belief in unity, saying the APC provided a more stable platform to continue his political career.

Similarly, Adamu Tanko disclosed that after extensive consultations with his constituents, he decided to switch allegiance to the APC.

Their defections sparked reactions from opposition lawmakers, with Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raising a constitutional point of order. Chinda referenced a Supreme Court ruling on party defections, arguing that the lawmakers had not followed due process.

Deputy Minority Leader Ali Isa JC further insisted that the defectors should either withdraw their letters or resign their positions and seek fresh mandates from their constituents. He maintained that the PDP remains a formidable opposition party, dismissing claims of a crisis within its ranks.

The latest defections come amid ongoing political realignments in the National Assembly, with the ruling APC consolidating its influence ahead of future elections.