The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday secured a commanding two-third majority in the 10th House of Representatives, following the defection of six opposition members.
Speaker of the 10th House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections during plenary, after reading individual letters submitted by the lawmakers.
Five members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), representing various constituencies in Enugu State, alongside a member of the Labour Party (LP) from Plateau State, announced their defection to the APC during plenary session yesterday.
Those who crossed over to the APC are: Daniel Asama Ado (LP, Plateau), Chidi Mark Obetta (PDP, Enugu), Phillips Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP, Enugu), Dennis Agbo (PDP, Enugu), Nnaji Nnolim (PDP, Enugu), and Matthew Nwogu (PDP, Imo).
In their letters to the Speaker, the lawmakers cited unresolved internal crises, leadership disputes, and factional divisions within their former parties as reasons for their decision to join the ruling party.
Their defection brings the APC’s total strength in the House to 242 members, leaving the PDP with 74. The development further consolidates the APC’s dominance in the Green Chamber and strengthens its legislative leverage.
The defectors were formally received into the APC fold amid applause from members of the ruling party. The ceremony was witnessed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and former Minister of Defence, Fidelia Njeze, among others.
Thursday’s development is part of a broader wave of defections reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the South-East, where the APC has been making inroads ahead of the 2027 general elections.
