More Woes for PDP, LP as Two Federal Lawmakers Join APC…The political landscape in Nigeria continues to shift as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) suffer fresh setbacks with the defection of two members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest development is adding to the growing concerns within the PDP as internal divisions persist, threatening the stability and unity of the party at a critical time.
Hussaini Jallo, who represents the Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Adamu Tanko, representing Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency in Niger State, formally announced their defection from the PDP to the APC during a recent plenary session.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read their letters on the floor of the House, marking yet another blow to the opposition as the APC continues to consolidate its hold on the National Assembly.
In his defection letter, Jallo attributed his decision to the deepening internal crisis within the PDP, which he said had made it increasingly difficult to function effectively as a representative of his people.
He emphasized that the prolonged divisions within the party had hindered his ability to contribute meaningfully to legislative duties and had isolated him from the core priorities of his constituents.
According to him, defecting to the APC is a move to secure a more stable and productive platform through which he can better serve his constituency.
Tanko shared similar sentiments, revealing that the infighting within the PDP had taken a toll on his emotional and mental state, impairing his capacity to discharge his legislative responsibilities.
He stated that after extensive consultations with his constituents, he concluded that his political future and the interests of his people would be better served under the APC.
Both lawmakers cited loyalty to their communities and the need to ensure continued development as core motivations for their defection.
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These latest defections bring to six the number of PDP members who have left the party for the APC in the current 10th National Assembly.
Previous defections include lawmakers from Kebbi, Kaduna, Abia, and Delta States, all citing internal strife and leadership disputes within the PDP as primary reasons for their exit.
These departures come at a time when the PDP is already grappling with multiple court battles, regional power tussles, and a lack of cohesive national leadership following its loss in the 2023 general elections.
While the PDP is losing ground, the Labour Party is not left out of the storm. Two of its representatives from Enugu State have reportedly dumped the LP for the PDP. Rep.
Mark Obetta, who represents Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, and Rep. Dennis Agbo, representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, have attributed their exit from the LP to similar internal challenges and lack of structure within the party.
They claimed that unresolved disputes, factional leadership, and the absence of clear direction were some of the major issues that pushed them to seek refuge in the PDP.
Political observers see these shifts as part of a larger realignment ahead of future elections.
The ruling APC appears to be the greatest beneficiary of the defections, as it not only gains numerical strength in the legislature but also projects a sense of stability that appeals to disillusioned members of opposition parties.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are under increasing pressure to rebuild, reconcile internal differences, and present a united front if they hope to remain relevant in the national political arena.
With the defection trend showing no sign of slowing, analysts warn that unless internal party democracy is strengthened and leadership structures are clarified, Nigeria’s major opposition parties may continue to lose ground.
For now, the APC is tightening its grip, gaining political capital that could shape legislative decisions and influence power dynamics for the foreseeable future.
