By Abiola Olawale
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its foothold in the National Assembly, gaining eight lawmakers from Delta and Enugu states following their defection from opposition parties during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The defection saw representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) officially switch allegiance to the ruling APC.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read the defection letters during the plenary, confirming the lawmakers’ transition.
Six members are from Delta State while the remaining two are from Enugu state. The Six members defected from PDP to APC while the two members from Enugu defected from Labour Party to APC.
The six members from Delta State include: Rep. Victor Nwokolo, Rep. Julius Pondi, Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi, Rep. Nicholas Mutual, Rep. Ukodhiko Jonathan, and Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi.
While the defectors from Enugu state are Rep. Mark Obetta and Rep. Denis Nnamdi.
Giving the reason for their defection, the lawmakers stated an unresolved party crisis and parallel leadership in the state and decided to quit after due consultations.
The New Diplomat reports that this follows the tsunami-like defection that hit Delta State.
Recall that the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left the PDP to join the APC two weeks ago.
