The wave of defections in Nigeria’s House of Representatives continued on Thursday as seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State announced their switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among the defectors, six were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while one hailed from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Their defection letters were formally presented during plenary and read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the PDP stemmed from ongoing internal conflicts and deepening divisions within the party.

“The bench press is to the gym what bread is to a sandwich, foundational, versatile, and essential,” one of the lawmakers added metaphorically, underscoring the weight of their decision.

The PDP defectors include Paul Ekpo, Unyime Idem, Martins Etim, Okpolu Ukpong Etteh, Uduak Odudoh, and Okon Ime Bassey.

They were joined by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo of the YPP, who also decamped to the APC.

Explaining their move, the lawmakers pointed to both state-level and national challenges within the PDP, stating that the persistent crisis had impaired their ability to serve their constituents effectively.

Their defection follows closely on the heels of a similar move by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who also recently joined the APC.

In response, Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, expressed disappointment over the development.

He criticized the justification for the defection, saying, “The claim of divisions within the PDP was inappropriate and unlawful.”

Chinda called on the Speaker to invoke the provisions of Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution and declare the seats of the defectors vacant.

He reiterated his stance, describing the defections as “unlawful” and urged the House leadership to act accordingly.

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that Nigeria is in a state of total collapse and urgently needs a complete overhaul, not just a change in government.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the unveiling of the interim executive committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Amaechi painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, citing extreme inflation, widespread hunger, and alleged political manipulation of the electoral system.

According to Amaechi, “Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the federal government is busy going around trying to hijack the election. INEC is helping them to hijack the election.”

He emphasized that his aim wasn’t merely about removing those in power but about launching a new national direction.

“No, it’s not about changing the government, if it is about changing the government, there is no need of changing the government, it’s about changing Nigeria,” he said.

“What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement, it must be a movement that brings in Nigerians to on their own take over government, not us.”

Amaechi confirmed he tendered his resignation from the APC the night before, revealing he had long distanced himself from party activities.

“I left APC last night. I never attended one meeting, last time they invited me I warned them. I said, if you invite me to any meeting anymore… In fact, I was surprised that I wasn’t even expelled because I warned them in writing, don’t even invite me to any meeting. You can’t be in a club where majority of people are stealing and you don’t say anything,” he stated.

When asked why he wasn’t backing the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, Amaechi responded bluntly: “I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country, I have never, because now, people want (Muhammadu) Buhari to come back.”

He criticized the trend of worsening leadership in Nigeria, saying: “What happens in Nigeria is that when a new government takes over, it becomes worse than the previous government that makes people say let the previous government come back.”

He pointed to the sharp depreciation of the naira as a key indicator of the economic downturn.

“People are asking for Buhari because things were better during Buhari’s administration. Dollar was I think ₦460 or five hundred and something now a dollar is one thousand five hundred and eighty, that is more than one hundred percent,” he said.

Responding to claims that the current exchange rate might be a result of deliberate policy, Amaechi replied: “Whether it’s a deliberate government policy or not, any government that does not take into consideration the people you are governing is not a policy. President Tinubu said he is not here to make Nigerians happy.”

When pressed on whether his actions stemmed from political ambition, the former minister responded, “I have the right to be ambitious, I am not over ambitious.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has officially announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform recently adopted by the new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Malami made the announcement on Wednesday in a personal statement that conveyed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of governance in Nigeria.

“After wide consultations and deep personal reflection, I hereby announce my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my decision to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party of choice for our coalition, a coalition driven by the urgent need to rescue our country from further decline,” he stated.

According to Malami, the move was not driven by personal ambition or resentment but by a profound concern for the nation’s worsening condition.

“This is not a decision made out of anger or ambition, but one inspired by love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing daily,” he said.

The former minister painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s current security and economic realities, particularly highlighting the crisis in the North.

“Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives while the government prioritizes politics over the safety of its citizens,” he declared.

He went on to criticize the economic conditions under the current administration, describing a deteriorating economy and growing despair among citizens.

“Our economy is in shambles. Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless. Instead of focusing on real solutions, the government is consumed by propaganda and political distractions,” Malami said.

Further condemning the state of governance, he accused the ruling party of placing politics above national interest.

“Governance has been abandoned. Appointments, projects, and policies are now guided by political loyalty and not national interest. I cannot remain part of a system that watches in silence as Nigerians suffer and die,” he lamented.

Malami described the ADC as a credible alternative built on values that reflect what Nigerians truly need in leadership.

“This is why I am joining the ADC — a platform built on the values of justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal. I believe that through this coalition and with the support of Nigerians, we can chart a new course for our beloved country,” he added.

Addressing his constituents, Malami reassured the people of Kebbi State of his continued commitment to their welfare.

“To the people of Kebbi State, I remain your son and servant. I will never abandon you. This move is to amplify your voice, protect your interests, and restore hope to our future.”

In a call to action directed at Nigerians nationwide, Malami urged unity and courage.

“To every Nigerian, I urge you to join this movement. Let us rise above fear and reclaim our nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

May God bless Kebbi State. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has acknowledged the leadership potential of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying he would have made a great president had he emerged victorious in any of his previous electoral bids.

Bwala made the remark during a yet-to-be-released interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he discussed the qualities of top contenders in Nigeria’s recent presidential race.

“Atiku would have been a great president, but whether he would have been greater than Bola Tinubu, I doubt that,” Bwala stated.

While offering that praise, the presidential spokesman made it clear that he believes his current boss, President Tinubu, holds an edge in leadership stature and impact.

Bwala also took a swipe at another 2023 presidential contender, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, accusing him of lacking a clear political identity.

“The problem with Mr. Peter Obi is what we call the identity crisis. Peter Obi has not defined his identity in politics, so he finds himself like an opportunistic politician,” he said.

Obi, who ran under the Labour Party banner in the last general election, has continued to attract strong support, particularly from young Nigerians, but Bwala questioned the coherence and consistency of his political ideology.

Founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has announced a major shake-up within the party, revealing that its leadership has voluntarily resigned to pave the way for new figures to take charge.

Speaking at a high-profile event on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Nwosu said the move was part of efforts to reposition the ADC as a credible political platform for a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the transition is designed to allow former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to assume critical leadership roles within the party and the broader coalition.

“We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the Villa,” Nwosu stated, underscoring the strategic nature of the decision.

He further confirmed that the party leadership unanimously endorsed both men for top roles in the evolving political formation.

“We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party. When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria,” Nwosu added.

A rift between Nigeria’s two legislative chambers has escalated, as the House of Representatives has voted to halt consideration of all bills originating from the Senate.

The move, announced on Wednesday, July 2, stems from growing frustration over what the House views as a lack of legislative reciprocity from the upper chamber.

The motion to suspend Senate bills was prompted by Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who called attention to the disparity in how each chamber treats the other’s legislative output.

According to Chinda, while the House often expedites Senate-originated bills, the Senate has failed to act on more than 140 bills passed by the House.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, echoed these concerns, citing his own experience with stalled legislation.

“This is not acceptable. Unless we receive considerable assurance from the Senate, we will no longer consider their bills,” Abbas said.

He revealed that no fewer than 146 bills passed by the House, including over 10 personally sponsored by him, are currently awaiting Senate concurrence, with some delays stretching beyond six months.

The tipping point came during deliberations on a Senate bill to amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act, which sought to establish a Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Obokun, Osun State.

House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, had moved for the bill’s second reading, but was met with strong resistance from several members.

Rep. Dagomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) expressed frustration over his own legislative proposals being ignored by the Senate.

“Meanwhile, we continue to entertain and approve their bills,” he lamented.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) backed the decision, urging the House Committee on Rules and Business to meet with their Senate counterparts and uncover the reasons behind the backlog.

He argued that shelving Senate bills would send a clear message: the House expects mutual respect and timely collaboration.

Despite Speaker Abbas initially urging his colleagues to allow the Senate bill to move forward, the chamber held its ground.

Lawmakers voted to step down the bill and impose a blanket suspension on all pending Senate-originated legislation until further notice.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to its members who are reportedly showing interest in joining a newly emerging political coalition.

The party says it is closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to act when necessary.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held at the PDP headquarters on Wednesday, the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, emphasized loyalty and unity within the PDP.

“Our leaders have already come together to give us this leadership. This is what you can see in this NWC,” Damagum said.

“And I keep reiterating this is the only party in the country that has lasted this long. We have mastered the act of conflict resolution. We know our problems and we solve it within ourselves.”

He noted that the party has remained a political home to many, urging members not to be swayed by alliances outside the PDP.

“To those that are contemplating, they should know that there is no place and there’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party. But if they feel otherwise, I will wish them good luck. But I know they will run coming back,” he stated.

Damagum also delivered a caution to those who may be undermining the party’s image in public or flirting with other political parties.

“I want to re-emphasize that if you are a member of the People’s Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those that go to demarket the party. We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time,” he warned.

“If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador that protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country when it was there.”

Addressing internal concerns, the acting chairman assured party faithful that the PDP was stable and ready for the months ahead.

He confirmed that a scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold as planned.

“We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and trash it out today,” he said.

“We’ve agreed that we have already, as proposed by the last NEC, that the NEC meeting scheduled for 23rd, 24th and 25th will still hold. To our members, I want to bring good tidings, that your party is intact.”

In addition to internal matters, Damagum turned his attention to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of political interference and attempting to lure PDP members.

“To APC, I want to send a message, that you can continue to harass, and buy our members. But the 2027 election is between Nigerians and APC. So, it is better to start now and correct your ways,” he declared.

He criticized the APC’s governance, particularly regarding economic hardship and national insecurity.

“Hunger, insecurity, arbitrary extortion of Nigerians is more than overwhelming. So, we are in a democratic setting. We should hear the yearning of people.”

“Like I said earlier, we are not conquered. We are law-abiding citizens. We deserve to be heard. For democracy to thrive people must say their minds. People should be listened to and policies should be people-oriented. It’s not for the few,” Damagum added.

Top opposition figures across Nigeria’s major political parties gathered on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a major coalition meeting under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The coalition, aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, is holding a media conference at the venue to announce its united political front.

Among the prominent attendees are 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi. Also spotted at the venue were former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong.

Other influential political figures present include Senator Dino Melaye, media personality Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party.

The gathering has also drawn attendees from various political backgrounds, with figures from the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the LP present for the high-level meeting.

Additionally, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.), are participating in the event.

A key highlight of the coalition’s formation is the formal adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for 2027.

As part of the restructuring, former Senate President David Mark, who recently resigned from the PDP, has been appointed as the interim national chairman of the ADC.

Alongside him, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been named as the interim national secretary of the party.

The Plateau State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Nanloong Daniel as its new Speaker, following the sudden resignation of Hon. Gabriel Dewan.

The leadership transition occurred on Wednesday during an emergency plenary session held at the temporary Assembly Complex, situated at the Old Government House in Jos.

Daniel, who represents Mikang State Constituency and previously served as Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly, emerged as the unanimous choice of the 24-member legislature.

The change in leadership came in the wake of a high-level, closed-door meeting involving Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former Speaker Dewan, and other lawmakers.

The meeting was convened to resolve simmering tensions within the Assembly, which has been grappling with internal instability in recent months.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Gwotta Ajang presided over the emergency session and officially oversaw the election of the new speaker.

Dewan, the only lawmaker from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Assembly, represented the Plateau Central zone.

His resignation is widely seen as part of broader efforts to restore order following the ouster of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, a development that plunged the House into political disarray.