Three members of the Nigerian House of Representatives have officially switched allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, marking a significant shift in party dynamics within the National Assembly. The defections, announced during plenary session under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, involve lawmakers from Katsina, Delta, and Cross River states. Each member cited internal party crises and consultations with constituents as key reasons for their decision to join the PDP. The move comes amid ongoing political realignments across Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas confirmed the defections while presiding over the House, highlighting the formal process through which the lawmakers transitioned to the PDP. Shehu Dalhatu, who represents the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, formally left the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. In his letter of defection, Dalhatu stated that he made the decision after thorough evaluation of the APC’s internal challenges and following extensive consultations with his constituents. His move underscores growing dissatisfaction within the APC, particularly among lawmakers seeking alternative platforms for political influence.
Meanwhile, Etanabene Benedict, representing a constituency in Delta State, defected from the Labour Party to the PDP. He cited the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party in Delta State as the primary reason for his switch. The internal turmoil in the Labour Party has reportedly led to a loss of confidence among its members, prompting several to seek stability in larger, more established parties. Benedict’s decision reflects broader trends of political instability affecting smaller parties in Nigeria’s fragmented political landscape.
Also joining the PDP is Alex Egbona, who represents the Yakurr/Abi constituency in Cross River State. Egbona, previously a member of the APC, emphasized that his commitment to his constituents and the House of Representatives remains unchanged despite the party switch. His transition signals a strategic realignment rather than a break from legislative duties, reinforcing the idea that party loyalty in Nigeria’s politics often shifts based on governance performance and internal party management.
These defections follow earlier reports by DAILY POST that six lawmakers from Oyo State, who were members of the PDP, had defected to the Allied Peoples Movement, APM. The back-and-forth movement of lawmakers highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian party politics, where personal and regional interests often outweigh party loyalty. As the 2027 general elections approach, such shifts may influence party strength, coalition-building, and electoral strategies across states.
The latest moves by these three lawmakers are likely to strengthen the PDP’s position in the House of Representatives, particularly in states where the party is seeking to regain ground. With party affiliations continuing to evolve, political observers expect more changes in the coming months as lawmakers assess their prospects and align with parties that best represent their constituencies’ interests.
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