The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have received a wave of defectors into their fold following defections by lawmakers on Tuesday.
The legislators cited internal crises, leadership disputes, and the need to serve their constituents more effectively as reasons for their decisions.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read the official letters of 13 defecting lawmakers notifying the chamber of their transitions and their motivations.
Notably, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, formally resigned from his leadership position following his defection from the PDP to the APC.
Chinda, who recently emerged as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Rivers State, informed the House of his resignation, bringing an end to his tenure as the leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.
Among the defectors was Representative Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), a switch that retroactively took effect in May 2026.
Representative Alex Ehnona also announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring his colleagues that his loyalty and commitment to the legislative duties of the House remain unwavering despite his change in party affiliation.
In what was described as his second party switch within three weeks, Representative Esosa Iyawo moved from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The lawmaker cited irreconcilable differences within the Edo State chapter of the APC and the party’s failure to address members’ concerns. He also withdrew an earlier notification letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.
Representative Sani Lawal formally left the APC effective May 4, explaining that the move was aimed at repositioning himself to better serve his constituency.
Similarly, Representative Shehu Tafoki defected from the APC to the PDP following what he described as careful reflection and broad consultations geared toward enhancing service delivery to his people.
The House also recorded a significant exodus from the PDP in Oyo State, as six lawmakers simultaneously moved to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The lawmakers included Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle, and Abbas Adigun.
The defectors attributed their decisions to the lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, unresolved disputes, and ongoing legal battles within the PDP.
According to their letters, extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders informed their decisions, which they described as necessary to ensure effective representation.
Meanwhile, Representative Etanebene Benedict joined the PDP after defecting from the Labour Party.
He attributed his decision to the dissolution of the LP’s executive structure, which he argued left members without recognized officials to engage with during the nomination process.
He further claimed that many leaders of the party were openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, creating an increasingly difficult environment for him to remain within the Labour Party.
Also, Representative Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State announced his departure from the PDP to join the APM, with the move taking effect from May 4.