Two members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have officially left their political parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to an announcement made during Tuesday’s plenary session by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Peter Akpanke, who represents the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC. Similarly, Paul Nnamchi, the representative for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, resigned from the Labour Party (LP) to align with the APC.
Speaker Abbas formally declared the lawmakers’ decisions before the chamber during the session.
In other legislative developments, the House has moved forward with a bill seeking to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act.
The proposed amendment, which has passed second reading, aims to extend the timeline for executing the capital component of the budget to December 31, 2025.
According to the Speaker, the proposed extension is necessary due to inadequate funding that has hindered implementation of the original budget provisions.
In a related matter, President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the House explaining his decision to withhold assent from the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment Bill.
The president expressed concerns over its financial implications and highlighted conflicts between the bill and existing laws, stating that it “goes against public interest.”
