Two PDP reps defect to APC, say crisis affecting their psyche — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, lost two more members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hussaini Jallo, a lawmaker representing the Igabi Federal Constituency, Kaduna, and Adamu Tanko, a lawmaker representing Gurara/Suleja/Tafa, both defected to the APC in separate letters read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on the floor of the plenary.

This brings the total number of PDP Reps who have dumped the party for the APC in the 10th National Assembly to six.

Aside from Jallo and Tanko, who defected on Tuesday, Salisu Koko, representing the Koko-Besse/Maiyama Constituency of Kebbi State, had also defected to the APC.

Koko’s defection from the PDP to the APC came after Amos Magaji, representing Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, dumped the party for the APC.

Chris Nkwonta, member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Abia State, and Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu from Delta State had also dumped the PDP for the APC.

In their defection, Jallo and Tanko cited what they termed lingering “party crisis and internal divisions” as reasons for their defection.

They noted that the crisis is preventing them from performing their constitutional duties to their various constituents.

Jallo noted that the unfortunate turn of events in the PDP has left him with no choice but to seek a more stable political platform through which he can better serve the interests and aspirations of his constituents.

“Furthermore, I have been inspired by your (House Speaker) excellent and exemplary leadership at this time, and the inclusive manner in which you, through your dedication to national unity, good governance, and legislative excellence, have built my belief that the All Progressives Congress is the appropriate platform to further my legislative and constituency development agenda.

“I acknowledge and appreciate the support I have received from colleagues in the PDP over the years. Nevertheless, the current challenges besetting the party have made it untenable for me to continue under the present circumstances,” he said.

Similarly, Tanko said the ongoing crisis in the PDP has negatively impacted his psyche and ability to function effectively as a representative of his people.

“Consequently, after careful consideration and consultation with my constituents, I have decided to defect from the PDP,” he wrote.

Protesting, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda argued that the defection was in breach of constitutional processes.

He also cited a Supreme Court judgment that ruled defection must be conclusive, saying the defecting lawmakers did not submit any clear evidence of leaving the PDP or being members of the APC.

The Speaker, however, ruled him out of order and congratulated the defectors.