The representative of Jos South and East Federal Constituency, Alfred Illiya Ajang, officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was announced in a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary session.
Ajang attributed his decision to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party.
The announcement sparked a rowdy session in the House as some lawmakers questioned the legitimacy of the letter.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda argued that Ajang’s letter did not comply with constitutional provisions or House rules, which require defecting lawmakers to first consult their constituents and party members.
Chinda maintained that the letter should be rejected.
However, Speaker Abbas overruled the objection and proceeded with the announcement.
Adding to the day’s significance, Senator Simon Lalong, a former Minister of Labour and Employment and current representative of Plateau South, was present to support Ajang’s defection.
The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong into the chamber.
Ajang’s defection is the latest in a series of Labour Party lawmakers joining the ruling APC, reportedly due to internal party conflicts.
Recently, Dalyop Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, also left the LP for the APC for similar reasons.
Over the past few weeks, four other House of Representatives members have defected from the Labour Party to the APC.
The LP has threatened legal action against the defectors, labeling their actions unconstitutional.
Ajang’s switch further bolsters the APC’s presence in the federal legislature, while raising concerns about the Labour Party’s internal cohesion.
