13 Reps dump parties as Chinda steps down as minority leader

The House of Representatives on Tuesday recorded another round of defections as 13 lawmakers formally announced their exit from their political parties during plenary.

The lawmakers attributed their decisions to internal crises, leadership disagreements, and what they described as the need to better represent the interests of their constituents.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read the letters submitted by the affected members, informing the chamber of their defections and the reasons behind the moves.

Among those who switched parties was Gaza, who defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP). According to his letter, the change took effect in May 2026.

Alex Ehnona also announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring colleagues that his loyalty and commitment to the House remained unwavering despite the change in party affiliation.

In what was described as his second party switch within three weeks, 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 letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

Sani Lawal formally left the APC, effective May 4, explaining that the move was aimed at repositioning himself to better serve his constituents.

Similarly, Shehu Tafoki defected from the APC to the PDP after 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 moved to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The lawmakers Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle, and Abbas Adigun attributed their decisions to the lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, unresolved disputes, and 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.

Also joining the PDP was Etanebene Benedict, who defected from the Labour Party. He attributed his decision to the dissolution of the party’s executive structure, which he said left members without recognised 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 in the Labour Party.

Meanwhile, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State announced his departure from the PDP to the APM, with effect from May 4.

In a related development, former Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, formally resigned from his position as Minority Leader 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 leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.

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