13 Reps Defect as Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda Joins APC

By Tgnews Reporter

The House of Representatives witnessed a dramatic political realignment on Tuesday as several lawmakers announced defections from their respective parties, with Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda leading the wave by dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chinda’s defection marks one of the most significant political developments in the Green Chamber in recent times, as he also relinquished his position as Minority Leader following his decision to join the ruling APC. His move has intensified discussions about shifting political loyalties ahead of future electoral contests and the evolving balance of power within the National Assembly.

In another major development, six members of the House from Oyo State abandoned the PDP for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The lawmakers include Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle. Their collective departure represents a significant setback for the PDP’s strength in the South-West and is expected to bolster the APM’s influence in the region.

The wave of defections extended beyond Oyo State as Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State also left the PDP for the APM, further strengthening the party’s growing presence in the House.

The PDP, however, recorded some gains as Shehu Dalhatu of Katsina State crossed from the APC to the opposition party. Delta lawmaker Etanabene Benedict also left the Labour Party to join the PDP, while Alex Egbona abandoned the APC for the PDP, providing some relief to the opposition amid the exodus of members.

Meanwhile, political movements were also recorded among other parties. Esosa Iyawe of Edo State defected from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Gbefwi Gaza of Nasarawa State left the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to join the Labour Party (LP).

The latest defections underscore the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political environment and could have far-reaching implications for legislative dynamics, party strength, and future electoral calculations. Political observers say the developments may trigger further realignments as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming political contests.

As lawmakers continue to reassess their political affiliations, attention is expected to focus on how the changes will affect leadership positions, legislative negotiations, and party influence within the House of Representatives.