13 Reps defect as Chinda resigns as Minority Leader

The House of Representatives on Tuesday recorded fresh political realignments as 13 lawmakers formally defected from their parties, citing internal crises, leadership disputes and the need to better serve their constituents.

 

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read letters from the lawmakers during plenary, announcing their defections and the reasons behind their decisions.

 

Among those who switched parties was Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), with the defection taking effect in May 2026.

 

Alex Ehnona also left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring colleagues that his commitment to legislative duties remained unchanged.

 

Esosa Iyawo, in what was described as his second defection within three weeks, moved from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He cited irreconcilable differences within the Edo State APC and the party’s failure to address members’ concerns.

 

Iyawo also withdrew an earlier letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

 

Sani Lawal announced his exit from the APC, effective May 4, saying the move would enable him to better serve his constituents.

 

Similarly, Shehu Tafoki defected from the APC to the PDP after what he described as extensive consultations aimed at improving representation for his people.

 

The House also witnessed a major exodus from the PDP in Oyo State, with six lawmakers — Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle and Abbas Adigun — joining the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

 

The lawmakers blamed their defection on the lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, unresolved disputes and legal battles within the PDP.

 

According to them, consultations with constituents and political stakeholders convinced them that the move was necessary to ensure effective representation.

 

Etanebene Benedict also left the Labour Party for the PDP, citing the dissolution of the party’s executive structure and the absence of recognised officials to engage with during the nomination process.

 

He further claimed that several Labour Party leaders were openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, making it difficult for him to remain in the party.

 

Also, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State defected from the PDP to the APM, with effect from May 4.

 

Meanwhile, former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda formally resigned from his position following his defection from the PDP to the APC.

 

Chinda, who recently emerged as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, informed the House of his decision, ending his tenure as leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.