The All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthened its position in the House of Representatives on Thursday after five lawmakers from Enugu State and another from Plateau State officially joined the party.
With the defections, the PDP’s presence in the House dropped to 72 members, while the APC now holds 243 seats, surpassing the two-thirds threshold of the 360-member chamber. The Labour Party now has 21 members, the New Nigeria People’s Party retains 15, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance holds five seats. The Social Democratic Party has two representatives, and the African Democratic Congress and Young Progressives Party have one each.
The defections bring all eight federal constituencies in Enugu State firmly under the APC’s control, marking a significant political shift in the southeastern state.
The group of defectors includes Dennis Agbo, Mark Obetta, and Cornelius Nnaji, who were elected under the PDP, as well as Paul Nnamchi, Chimaobi Atu, and Sunday Umeha, who had earlier defected from the Labour Party. In addition, Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in Plateau State, also left the LP for the APC.
The defection ceremony, which took place on the floor of the House of Representatives, was witnessed by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Cornelius Nnaji of Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency said the decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to support Governor Mbah’s developmental agenda and connect the state to the federal government’s initiatives.
“Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction, and purpose. This is not just a political move; it is a bold step into the future, borne out of courage and our shared determination to reposition Enugu State for greatness,” Nnaji said.
He added that the move was intended to ensure Enugu State is no longer left on the sidelines in national development:
“For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation. That era is over. We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.”
Nnaji lauded Governor Mbah for transforming the state in less than three years, highlighting improvements in education, infrastructure, aviation, technology, and security.
“Through Governor Mbah, Enugu State has become a reference point for good governance. Investors are coming in, and there is tangible development across all sectors,” he said.
He further emphasized that politics should serve the people rather than divide them, expressing hope that the defections would usher in “a new dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity” for Enugu State.
The development further consolidates APC’s dominance in the House of Representatives and shifts Enugu State, historically a PDP stronghold, fully under the APC’s influence at both state and federal levels.
This realignment of political loyalties underscores the growing influence of the APC in southeastern Nigeria and its strategic advantage in the national legislature.
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