Six members of the House of Representatives have announced their defection from their respective political parties to the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).The defections were formally announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, during plenary on Thursday.
Four lawmakers from Bauchi State moved to the APM. They include Muhammed Shehu, representing Zaki Federal Constituency; Aminu Garu, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency; Sani Tanko, representing Shira/Giade Federal Constituency; and Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
Another lawmaker also changed party affiliation, while Jeremiah Umaru, who represents the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In separate letters read on the floor of the House, the lawmakers cited persistent internal crises, factionalisation, and unresolved divisions within their former political parties as the reasons for their departure.The lawmakers maintained that the internal challenges affecting their former parties had made it difficult to effectively pursue their political objectives and adequately represent the interests of their constituents.
The latest defections add to the growing wave of political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, with political parties continuing efforts to strengthen their ranks across the country.
