13 Reps switch parties as Chinda resigns as Minority Leader

By Gift ChapiOdekina

The House of Representatives recorded a fresh wave of defections on Tuesday, as 13 lawmakers formally announced their departure from their political parties during a plenary session. The defections were attributed to internal crises, leadership disputes, and a desire to better serve constituents.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read letters from the affected members, which notified the chamber of their decisions and the reasons behind the defections.

Among those who defected was Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP). The switch became effective in May 2026.

Alex Ehnona 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 unchanged 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). He 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 12 May 2026 while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

Sani Lawal formally left the APC, effective 4 May, 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 a 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 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 4 May.

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, ending his tenure as leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.

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