Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s House of Representatives witnessed a significant political shake-up on Tuesday as Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), resigning his leadership position in the lower chamber of parliament, Prime Business Africa reports.
The move was part of a wider wave of defections involving 13 lawmakers, underscoring growing political realignments as Africa’s most populous nation moves closer to its 2027 general elections.
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Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas announced the defections during plenary after reading letters submitted by the affected lawmakers.
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Chinda, who represents a constituency in the oil-rich Rivers State in southern Nigeria, had faced increasing scrutiny in recent months after emerging as the APC’s governorship candidate in the state while still serving as the opposition leader in the House of Representatives. His formal defection and resignation bring an end to months of speculation over his political future.
The House Minority Leader is the most senior representative of opposition parties in Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber and plays a key role in coordinating opposition lawmakers and scrutinising government policies.
Six lawmakers from Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria also left the PDP for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a smaller opposition party. They are Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Makanjuola Sunday Ojo, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle.
In their letters, the lawmakers cited internal disputes and leadership challenges within the PDP as reasons for their decision.
Other defections announced on the House floor included Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State, who moved from the PDP to the APM; Shehu Dalhatu of Katsina State, who left the APC for the PDP; and Etanabene Benedict of Delta State, who defected from the Labour Party to the PDP.
Alex Egbona also switched from the APC to the PDP, while Esosa Iyawe of Edo State left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Gbefwi Gaza of Nasarawa State moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP).
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Wave of Defections Hits House of Reps as Members Cite Party Crises
Political defections are a recurring feature of Nigerian politics, often intensifying as elections approach. Lawmakers frequently cite internal party crises, ideological differences or strategic political calculations when changing party affiliations.
Tuesday’s developments are expected to strengthen the APC’s position in the House of Representatives while weakening the PDP’s influence in the chamber. They also highlight the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape as parties and politicians reposition themselves ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 electoral cycle.
The defections come amid broader efforts by political parties to consolidate support bases and build alliances in preparation for presidential, gubernatorial and legislative elections scheduled for 2027.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
