In a political twist, five members of the House of Representatives under the Labour Party have abandoned the party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing “personal convictions” as the driving force behind their decision.
The lawmakers announced their defection during a plenary session, with letters addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. They expressed gratitude to the Labour Party but stated that aligning with the APC would better serve their constituents and personal political beliefs.
The mass defection is seen as a blow to the Labour Party, which had positioned itself as a rising force in Nigerian politics. Analysts speculate that the move could signal broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, APC leaders welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a testament to the ruling party’s appeal. Meanwhile, Labour Party stalwarts have vowed to address the defections and strategize for the future.
This defection marks another dramatic chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape, underscoring the fluidity of party allegiance in the country’s democracy.