APC Strangulates PDP in House of Representatives as Two Lawmakers Defect Over ‘Internal Divisions’

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered another major setback as two of its members in the House of Representatives defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers, Jallo Mohammed (Igabi Federal Constituency, Kaduna State) and Adamu Tanko (Gurara/Suleja/Tapa Federal Constituency, Niger State), announced their defection in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on the floor of the lower legislative chamber.

The defectors cited internal divisions within the PDP as the primary reason for their decision. According to them, the crises within the party had significantly hindered their ability to effectively serve their constituents. Their defection follows a growing trend of opposition lawmakers abandoning their parties for the APC, further consolidating the ruling party’s dominance in the National Assembly.

Lawmakers Cite Crisis Within PDP as Justification for Defection

Jallo Mohammed, in his defection letter, expressed frustration over the PDP’s internal challenges, which he claimed had made it difficult for him to fulfill his legislative responsibilities. He further praised Speaker Abbas for his leadership, stating that the APC’s commitment to national unity and good governance had influenced his decision.

“This unfortunate turn of events has left me with no choice but to seek a more stable political platform through which I can better serve the interests and aspirations of my constituents,” Mohammed wrote. “Your dedication to national unity, good governance, and legislative excellence has convinced me that the All Progressives Congress is the appropriate platform to further my legislative and constituency development agenda.”

Similarly, Adamu Tanko emphasized that his defection was the result of careful consultation with his constituents. According to him, the PDP’s internal conflicts made it impossible for him to continue under the party’s banner. “After thorough deliberations and engagements with my people, I have decided that the APC provides the best platform for me to continue representing the interests of my constituency effectively,” he said.

PDP Kicks Against Defection, Demands Lawmakers’ Seats Be Declared Vacant

The PDP has strongly opposed the defections, insisting that the party is not in crisis and that the lawmakers have no constitutional grounds to switch parties. House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda immediately protested the move, stating that there was no evidence of a division within the PDP to justify the defections.

According to Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, lawmakers who defect from their party without a proven division risk losing their seats. The PDP has repeatedly called on the leadership of the National Assembly to enforce this provision and declare the seats of defectors vacant. However, legislative leaders have often ignored such demands, allowing defectors to retain their seats under the APC’s banner.

The party has also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in the affected constituencies, arguing that the defectors no longer have the legitimate mandate of the people. However, the APC, which has benefited from these defections, continues to hold the majority in the House, making it unlikely that any punitive measures will be taken against the defectors.

Growing Trend of Defections Strengthens APC’s Grip on the National Assembly

The defection of Jallo Mohammed and Adamu Tanko is not an isolated incident. In recent months, a wave of defections from the PDP and Labour Party (LP) to the APC has reshaped the political landscape in the House of Representatives.

On October 2, 2024, Chris Nkwonta, who represented Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State, defected from the PDP to the APC. By October 30, Sulaiman Abubakar, the representative of Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, had also dumped the PDP for the ruling party.

The most significant mass defection occurred on December 5, 2024, when four LP members and one PDP lawmaker in the House of Representatives abandoned their parties for the APC. Further defections followed in February 2025, with Amos Magaji (Kaduna) and Garba Koko (Kebbi) switching allegiance from the PDP to the APC.

These developments have steadily increased the APC’s dominance in the lower chamber, reducing the influence of the opposition parties. The ruling party’s ability to attract lawmakers from rival parties has significantly bolstered its legislative power ahead of the next general elections.

Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

The increasing rate of defections has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. The continuous movement of lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling party weakens democratic accountability and undermines the principle of party loyalty. Critics argue that these defections are motivated more by personal political survival than by genuine ideological differences or constituency concerns.

For the PDP, the defections signal a growing internal crisis that must be urgently addressed if the party hopes to remain a viable opposition force. Without strategic reforms and strong leadership, the party risks further fragmentation and declining electoral prospects.

On the other hand, the APC’s expanding influence in the National Assembly strengthens its ability to push through legislative agendas with minimal resistance. However, the party must also be wary of potential discontent within its ranks, as defectors seeking personal political gain may not necessarily be loyal to the party’s long-term vision.

As Nigeria approaches future elections, the shifting political dynamics in the House of Representatives will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance. Whether the PDP can stem the tide of defections and rebuild its strength remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the APC continues to tighten its grip, further consolidating its power within the legislative arm of government.