Opposition lawmakers defect to APC citing unresolved crises in PDP and Labour Party as Speaker Abbas reads letters during plenary on Tuesday
The opposition lawmakers defect to APC narrative gained new momentum on Tuesday as two members of the House of Representatives formally left their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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The defectors are Peter Akpanke, who represents the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of Cross River State, and Professor Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State.
Akpanke defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Nnamchi left the Labour Party.
Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the House during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Both lawmakers cited protracted leadership crises in their respective parties as the main reason for their decision. Akpanke lamented the PDP’s inability to resolve internal disputes, saying the instability had made it difficult to function effectively as a lawmaker.
“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for the platform it provided, but the absence of peace in the party has necessitated my decision to move to another party,” he said.
The absence of peace in the party has necessitated my decision to move to another party.
Nnamchi similarly pointed to the ongoing leadership wrangle in the Labour Party, which he said had undermined his ability to represent his constituents efficiently.
Their defection comes amid growing tension within Nigeria’s major opposition parties.
The PDP remains entangled in a fierce dispute over its National Secretary position, while the Labour Party has faced internal divisions over its national leadership structure.
The ruling APC, which has been on a strategic membership drive, welcomed the new lawmakers as part of its plan to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the development may be a sign of further instability within opposition ranks, raising questions about their preparedness to challenge the APC’s dominance in future polls.
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With these defections, the APC continues to expand its majority in the House, further weakening opposition influence in legislative decisions.
