Opposition federal lawmakers have expressed disapproval of their colleagues defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress. They rejected claims that the defections were due to crises within their original parties.
In December 2024, the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party lost six House of Representatives members to the APC during a session led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The LP lost five members while the PDP lost one.
Senator Ned Nwoko from Delta North Senatorial District also left the PDP, citing internal issues within the party as his reason for defection.
Calls have been made to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, but no action has been taken. Concerns have been raised about the implications of these defections on the nation’s democracy.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro expressed worries about the defections and their impact on democracy. He mentioned that any decision on legal action would be made by the PDP.
On the other hand, Afam Ogene, a member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, downplayed the significance of the defections, stating that it is not a major concern. He emphasized that the decision to pursue legal action should be made by the party rather than the parliamentary caucus.