The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost two more members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions and instability within the party.
Hussaini Jallo, representing Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna, and Adamu Tanko, representing Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency, formally announced their defection in letters presented to the House and read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary on Tuesday.
Their departure brings the number of PDP lawmakers who have defected to the APC in the 10th National Assembly to six. Others who had previously switched allegiance include Salisu Koko (Koko-Besse/Maiyama, Kebbi State), Amos Magaji (Zango Kataf/Jaba, Kaduna State), Chris Nkwonta (Ukwa East/Ukwa West, Abia State), and Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu (Delta State).
In their letters, Jallo and Tanko attributed their decision to the ongoing crisis within the PDP, which they claimed was affecting their ability to effectively represent their constituents. Jallo emphasized that the instability within the party left him with no alternative but to seek a more stable platform to fulfill his legislative responsibilities.
He also praised Speaker Tajudeen’s leadership and the APC’s governance approach as factors that influenced his decision.
Tanko similarly stated that the crisis within the PDP was affecting his mental well-being and preventing him from performing his duties effectively. Following consultations with his constituents, he resolved to leave the party and join the APC.
However, their defection was met with opposition from the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who argued that the move violated constitutional provisions.
Citing a Supreme Court ruling, he contended that lawmakers must provide conclusive evidence of leaving their former party and officially joining another.
Despite Chinda’s protest, the Speaker ruled him out of order and proceeded to congratulate the defecting lawmakers on their new political affiliation.
