Another PDP lawmaker defects to APC amid party crisis

In another major setback for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a member of the House of Representatives, Salisu Garba Koko, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His departure marks the second defection from the PDP in just two days, further intensifying concerns over internal divisions within the opposition party.

Koko, who represents the Koko/Besse/Mayama Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, announced his decision in a formal letter addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. During Tuesday’s plenary session, the Speaker read the letter aloud, confirming the lawmaker’s switch to the APC.

In his letter, Koko cited the “protracted crisis” within the PDP as the primary reason for his defection. According to him, the party’s internal conflicts have made it increasingly difficult for him to continue as a member.

However, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, strongly contested this reasoning. Chinda argued that the PDP was not undergoing any extraordinary crisis that would justify mass defections.

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“People might look for excuses to defect to other parties, but it is wrong to allege that there is a protracted crisis in the PDP,” Chinda asserted. He further called on the Speaker to enforce constitutional provisions by declaring the seats of defectors vacant and mandating them to seek fresh mandates from their constituents.

The defection sparked a heated debate on the constitutional consequences of lawmakers switching parties. Ben Etanebene, a lawmaker from the Labour Party (LP, Delta), reinforced Chinda’s position, stating that defectors should formally approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to amend their certificates of return, which originally listed their previous party affiliation.

Etanebene emphasized that the constitutional provisions regarding defection are clear: “The operating word in the Constitution is ‘shall,’ which makes it mandatory for the seats to be declared vacant.”

Despite these arguments, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen maintained that the power to declare a lawmaker’s seat vacant lies with the judiciary, not the House of Representatives.

“The House will act on the content of the letter sent to it by members,” he said. “If there are any disputes or legal challenges, they will be addressed through judicial processes.”

Koko’s defection is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the PDP, raising concerns about the party’s stability as the 2027 general elections approach. The PDP has been facing internal power struggles, with factional disputes and disagreements over leadership affecting its cohesion.

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Political analysts suggest that these defections could strengthen the APC ahead of future elections, particularly in key battleground states. However, PDP leaders insist that the party remains strong and capable of withstanding any internal challenges.

As political realignments continue, observers will be watching closely to see if more lawmakers follow suit, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming months.