12 House of Representatives Members Defect to APC and ADC Amid Party Disputes

Twelve members of the House of Representatives have switched allegiances from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal party conflicts and strategic political considerations.

The lawmakers explained that their decisions were influenced by irreconcilable differences within their former parties and the desire to better serve their constituencies politically.
From Adamawa State, four lawmakers—James Barka, Laori Bitrus, Zakaria Nyampa, and Kobis Thimnu—defected from the PDP to the APC. Midala Balami of Borno State and Mohammed Bargaja of Sokoto State also left the PDP for the APC.
In Anambra State, Peter Uzokwe moved from the YPP to the ADC, while three others—Afam Ogene, Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Obageli Orogbu—shifted from the Labour Party to the ADC. Additionally, Jessey Okei Onakalusi from Lagos State and Murphy Omoruyi Osaro from Edo State joined the ADC.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who announced the defections, added that nine other lawmakers, currently absent, had similarly defected but are required to appear before the House to formally confirm their decisions.