Mass Defection Hits House of Reps: Eight Lawmakers Abandon Party Mandates for APC, PDP
In a move that further underscores the deepening crisis and ideological bankruptcy within Nigeria’s political class, eight members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced their defection to new political parties, shaking the foundation of party loyalty and democratic consistency in the lower chamber.
Six lawmakers from Delta State, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Simultaneously, two members from Enugu State abandoned the Labour Party (LP) for the PDP. This political migration comes amid rising discontent and internal crises that continue to plague Nigeria’s major parties a development that appears more self-serving than people-driven.
The letters of defection were read aloud at the resumption of plenary, marking yet another cycle of political opportunism dressed up as ideological realignment.
Leading the Delta faction is Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi), a lawmaker who has retained his seat under PDP since 1999. His sudden departure after more than two decades of party loyalty raises questions: Is this a matter of principle or political survival?
The other Delta defectors include:
Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani)
Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko)
Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri)
Julius Pondi (Burutu)
Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South)
From Enugu, Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu) dumped the Labour Party for the PDP a curious shift considering PDP’s current credibility challenges in the southeast.
In their letters, the lawmakers cited “crises at all levels” within their former parties as justification for the move. However, critics argue that these defections reflect not just party dysfunction but also a lack of ideological discipline among lawmakers who treat political parties as mere vehicles for personal advancement.
Of note is the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC a controversial move that may have influenced the current wave of alignments. What does this say about the credibility of the APC, a party that has now become a refuge for disgruntled politicians from rival camps?
This latest defection drama raises deeper concerns about Nigeria’s political future. Are elected representatives truly committed to serving their constituencies, or are they more concerned with securing relevance in a volatile political landscape? For voters who placed trust in these individuals under a particular party platform, the message is clear: party manifestos mean little when self-preservation trumps public service.
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Mass Defection Hits House of Reps: Eight Lawmakers Abandon Party Mandates for APC, PDP