Three PDP Reps Cross Carpet to APC

Abuja – The political landscape of the House of Representatives shifted significantly today as three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their move further weakens the PDP’s numerical strength in the lower chamber and signals a continuing trend of political realignment.
The lawmakers who announced their defections during Wednesday’s plenary are:

1.Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, representing Ife Federal Constituency, Osun State.

2.Hon. Omirin Emmanuel Olusanya, representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency, Osun State.

3.Hon. Marcus Onobun, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, Edo State.

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In separate letters read aloud by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the defecting lawmakers primarily cited “persistent internal conflicts, deep-seated divisions, and a pervasive culture of legal disputes” within the PDP as the reasons for their departure.

Hon. Marcus Onobun, who was notably the sole PDP federal lawmaker from Edo State in the 10th Assembly, stated that his decision followed extensive consultations and that he was joining the APC to support Governor Monday Okpebholo in the development of Edo State. His defection has been widely seen as a major boost for the APC in Edo, with Governor Okpebholo formally receiving him into the party earlier this week and declaring it the “final nail in the coffin of the PDP in Edo State.”

For the Osun lawmakers, Hon. Ajilesoro and Hon. Olusanya, their defection comes amidst a turbulent period for the Osun State chapter of the PDP. There have been swirling rumors and intense speculation recently about Governor Ademola Adeleke’s potential defection from the PDP to the APC, with reports indicating that the Osun PDP leadership caucus had even passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, “unanimously supporting any decision the Governor takes on the growing rumour of defection.” While Governor Adeleke has repeatedly denied plans to dump the PDP, the exit of these federal lawmakers from the state adds to a string of high-profile resignations that have hit the party in Osun.

The defections were met with cheers and applause from APC members in the chamber, while the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, called on the Speaker to declare the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant, in accordance with constitutional provisions. This latest wave of defections underscores the ongoing shifts within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles.