The Speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday read a letter announcing the defection of Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following the announcement of his defection, Chinda subsequently resigned his position as Minority Leader of the House.
Chinda recently secured the APC governorship ticket for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections. He emerged as the party’s candidate following the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and George Kelly from the race.
In addition to the defection of Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the House also recorded thirteen other defections. Allied Peoples Movement (APM) recorded gains as seven members joined the party from the PDP, including six representatives from Oyo State
- Adebayo Adepoju, Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Oyo State
- Adedeji Olajide, Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Oyo State
- Makanjuola Ojo, Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency, Oyo State
- Oyeshina Oyedeji, Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State
- Folajimi Oyekunle, Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State
- Abass Adigun, Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Oyo State
- Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State also joined the APM from the PDP
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gained three seats:
- Etanabene Benedict, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Alex Egbona, representing Abi/Yakurr federal constituency of Cross River state, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP
- Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency of Katsina state, switched from the APC to the PDP
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Labour party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)also gained one new seat each:
- Esosa Iyawe, who represents Oredo federal constituency of Edo state, left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Jonathan Gbefwi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa state, defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP)
- Sani Lawal representing Zango/Baure Federal Constituency of Katsina State, also exited the APC for African Democratic Congress (ADC)
The lawmakers attributed their decisions to internal crises, unresolved leadership disputes and factional divisions within their former parties.
They argued that the challenges had affected their ability to effectively represent their constituents.
