APC Strengthens Grip As Two Reps Defect Amid Opposition Woes

• Two Reps defect to APC, citing governance and party crises.

• The defections strengthen APC’s influence in the House.

• Concerns arise about Nigeria becoming a one-party state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have suffered a fresh setback with the defection of two members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okolie Lawrence, representing Aniocha North/Aniocha South/Oshimili North/Oshimili South federal constituency of Delta State, left the LP, saying, “My decision to join the APC would bring governance closer to my constituents.” Akingbaso Olanrewaju, representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State, also defected from the PDP, attributing his move to a lingering internal crisis in the party. “I am aligning myself with the APC’s ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.

The defection drew a protest from Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who raised a point of order, arguing that there was no crisis in the PDP. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the objection but continued with legislative business.

ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!

The latest defections are part of a growing trend in the House, where several lawmakers have recently abandoned opposition parties for the APC.

This shift has further strengthened the ruling party’s influence in the lower chamber, raising concerns within opposition ranks.

Similar defections are being recorded in the Senate, with serving governors and other prominent politicians also abandoning the opposition for the ruling party.

READ ALSO: Defect or Resign, Gov Umo Eno Tells Cabinet Ahead of APC Switch

The development has led to concerns that Nigeria could become a one-party state.

As the APC continues to attract more defectors, the opposition parties face an uphill task in regrouping and reclaiming their lost ground.

“Only coalition can save Nigeria from APC’s misgovernance,” warned a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).