The House of Representatives experienced another round of political realignments on Tuesday as 13 lawmakers officially announced their defections from their respective parties during plenary, citing internal conflicts, leadership challenges, and the desire to better represent their constituents.

 

Presiding over the session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read out letters from the lawmakers informing the House of their decisions and explaining the circumstances behind their moves.

 

Among those who changed party affiliation was Gaza, who left the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Labour Party (LP), with the defection taking effect in May 2026.

 

Alex Ehnona also crossed from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that his commitment to legislative duties and loyalty to the House would remain unchanged despite his new political platform.

 

Esosa Iyawo, in what marked his second defection within a three-week period, exited the APC for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He blamed persistent disagreements within the APC in Edo State and accused the party of failing to adequately address the concerns of its members. Iyawo also withdrew a previous letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his dedication to democratic values.

 

Sani Lawal likewise announced his departure from the APC, effective May 4, stating that the move would enable him to better position himself to serve the interests of his constituents more effectively.

 

Shehu Tafoki also left the ruling party for the PDP, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations and careful consideration aimed at improving representation and service delivery in his constituency.

 

A major shift was also recorded in Oyo State, where six PDP lawmakers defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The affected legislators—Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle, and Abbas Adigun—pointed to prolonged leadership disputes, internal factionalisation, unresolved disagreements, and ongoing legal challenges within the PDP as reasons for their departure.

 

In separate letters to the House, the lawmakers stated that they consulted widely with constituents and political stakeholders before deciding to leave the party, describing the move as necessary for more effective representation.

 

Meanwhile, Etanebene Benedict switched allegiance from the Labour Party to the PDP. He said his decision was influenced by the dissolution of the party’s executive structure, which he argued left members without recognised officials to engage with during nomination processes. He also claimed that several key figures within the party were openly backing Bola Ahmed Tinubu, making it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the LP.

 

Also announcing a change of party was Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State, who left the PDP for the APM, with his defection taking effect on May 4.

 

In a related development, former House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda officially stepped down from his leadership position following his move from the PDP to the APC.

 

Chinda, who recently secured the APC governorship ticket for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, formally notified the House of his resignation, bringing his tenure as leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber to an end.