In a significant development at the National Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced their defection from their respective political parties, citing internal crises and the need for more stable platforms to serve their constituents.
Leading the wave of defections was Nicholas Mutu, the longest-serving member of the House and a key political figure from Delta State.
Mutu, who has represented Bomadi Federal Constituency since 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with five other colleagues from Delta.
The other defectors from PDP to APC include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).
In a parallel shift, two lawmakers from Enugu State; Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu), announced their departure from the Labour Party to join the PDP.
The formal letters of defection were read on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session.
According to the lawmakers, unresolved internal conflicts and factionalism in both the PDP and Labour Party informed their decision to seek new political alignments that would enable them to better discharge their legislative duties.
