The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) faced new political setbacks on Wednesday following the defection of two House of Representatives members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Okolie Lawrence, representing Aniocha North/Aniocha South/Oshimili North/Oshimili South federal constituency of Delta State, announced his departure from the LP. He explained that his decision to join the APC was motivated by a desire to “bring governance closer” to his constituents.
Similarly, Hon. Akingbaso Olanrewaju, who represents Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State, resigned from the PDP. He attributed his move to persistent internal crises within the party and expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope agenda” and the APC’s political philosophy.
Olanrewaju’s defection sparked immediate criticism from Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who raised a point of order challenging the justification, insisting there was no crisis within the PDP. However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the objection but allowed legislative proceedings to continue.
These latest defections add to the growing list of opposition lawmakers switching allegiance to the ruling party, a trend that has continued to strengthen the APC’s grip on the lower legislative chamber and raise alarm among opposition figures.
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