The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained five new members in the House of Representatives, following the defection of four Labour Party (LP) lawmakers and one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representative.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during a session in the green chamber.
The defectors from the Labour Party are Chinedu Okere, representing Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West federal constituency in Imo State; Mathew Donatus from Kaura federal constituency in Kaduna State; Akiba Bassey, representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani federal constituency in Cross River State; and Esosa Iyawe from Oredo federal constituency in Edo State.
Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, who represents Ethiope federal constituency in Delta State, also announced her defection from the PDP to the APC.
Ibori-Suenu, notably, is the daughter of former Delta State governor and PDP chieftain, James Ibori.
Speaker Abbas welcomed the lawmakers to the APC fold, praising their decision.
“You have taken the right step in joining the ruling party,” Abbas said, smiling as he congratulated the defectors.
The lawmakers attributed their decision to internal crises within their former parties, particularly the Labour Party.
However, the defections did not go unchallenged.
Ali Isa, the Minority Whip, and George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip, both expressed strong opposition to the moves.
Ozodinobi, a staunch Labour Party member, condemned his colleagues for switching parties.
“These defections show a lack of ideology,” he declared on the House floor.
“When people enter a political party without understanding its principles, this is what happens.”
Ozodinobi went further, criticizing the APC’s track record.
“The APC has brought hunger and hardship to Nigerians. It’s baffling that anyone would choose to join them,” he added, shaking his head in disbelief.
The defection of these five lawmakers is part of a broader trend that has seen the opposition lose members to the ruling party in recent months.
In July, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, a senator representing Imo East, left the Labour Party for the APC.
In October, two PDP lawmakers, Chris Nkwonta and Sulaiman Abubakar, also crossed over to the APC.
Political analysts say these defections are strategic moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Oladipo Ojo, a political commentator, believes the defectors are seeking better opportunities in the ruling party.
“Many of these politicians are positioning themselves for survival,” Ojo said.
“The APC, being the ruling party, offers access to resources and influence that could determine their political future.”
The Labour Party, once seen as a rising force, has struggled to maintain its momentum since the 2023 general elections.
Internal wranglings and leadership disputes have weakened the party, leaving its members vulnerable to defection.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has also been plagued by internal crises, leading to a series of high-profile defections.
Reacting to the latest defections, the Labour Party leadership expressed disappointment but vowed to rebuild.
“This is a temporary setback,” said a party official who requested anonymity.
“We are focused on reorganizing and strengthening our base ahead of future elections.”
The PDP also released a statement, accusing the APC of “inducing” lawmakers to switch parties.
“It’s clear that these defections are not based on principles but on personal gain,” the statement read.