Two PDP lawmakers defect to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday lost two members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal instability as their reason for defection.  

Husseini Jallo, representing Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Adamu Tanko, representing Suleja/Tara/Gurara Federal Constituency in Niger State, officially announced their departure from the PDP during a plenary session.

In a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Jallo attributed his decision to the “lingering instability” within the opposition party, which he claimed had hindered his ability to serve his constituents effectively. He also praised the Speaker’s leadership style and emphasized his commitment to national unity as key factors influencing his move to the APC.

“I found the APC to be a more attractive platform to further my political career in the service of my constituency,” Jallo stated.

His defection follows that of Amos Magaji, another PDP lawmaker from Kaduna, who recently switched allegiance to the ruling party, highlighting growing cracks within the PDP.

Similarly, Tanko said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency.

While raising a point of order, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, said the opposition members in the House will continue to make calls that the seats by those who dumped the political parties that sponsored them for another platform be declared vacant.

He drew attention to the judgment of the Supreme Court which says that defection of any member must be complete, adding that there is no evidence before the House suggesting that the members have done the right thing and carry out their defection properly.

On his part, Deputy Minority Leader, Ali Isa, said the issue of defection must be taken seriously, adding that the two members should withdraw their letters of defection or face litigation.

“The PDP remains very strong both as a party as well as an opposition,” he said, adding that “there is no crisis in the PDP.

“The defecting members must take the part of honour by resigning their position and go back to their people to face a fresh election,” he added.