The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a decisive two-thirds majority in Nigeria’s House of Representatives. This follows the high-profile defection of six opposition lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary session.
The defecting legislators include Daniel Asama Ado (Plateau), Chidi Mark Obetta (Enugu), Phillips Anayo Owuegbu (Enugu), Nnaji Nnolim (Enugu), Denis Agbo (Enugu), and Matthew Nwogu (Imo). Their departure significantly reshapes the balance of power in the legislative chamber.
With these additions, the APC now commands 242 seats in the Green Chamber. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retains only 74 members. This development strengthens the ruling party’s dominance ahead of critical legislative engagements.
Defectors Cite Party Crises as Motivation
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read the lawmakers’ joint resignation letters during the session. The defectors attributed their move to deepening internal crises within their former parties. They specifically referenced leadership challenges in both the PDP and Labour Party.
The legislators stated that divisions within their previous parties made effective representation impossible. They asserted that joining the APC would better serve their constituents’ interests. This explanation formed the core justification for their political realignment.
The historic defection occurred before prominent political figures. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda witnessed the event. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and former Defence Minister Fidelia Njeze also attended the session.
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