The member representing Jos South and East Federal Constituency Alfred Illiya Ajang has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday, the now-defected member claimed that the crisis in the Labour Party was the reason for his defection.
The House was thrown into a rowdy session as some lawmakers raised eyebrows over the content of the letter.
Lending his voice, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda says the letter is not in accordance with the constitution of the House and as such should be rejected.
He said as a standing order any member who wishes to defect must first inform his constituents and party members on the platform on which he was elected before any letter is read.
Chinda argued that since this criterion has not been met, the letter should not be admitted.
The speaker, however, overrode the observation.
Meanwhile, a former Minister of Labour and Employment and now serving senator Simon Lalong was at the House of Representatives complex to witness the defection and give support to his colleague.
The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong representing Plateau South senatorial district.
His defection from the LP to the ruling APC adds to the swelling number of federal lawmakers dumping one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.
A few days back, another lawmaker Dalyop Chollom representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency dumped the LP for the APC. He cited the crisis in the party as his reason.
Some weeks back, four members of the House of Representatives dumped the LP for the ruling party, citing squabbles in the Labour Party.
Following their defection, the LP threatened legal action and claimed their action was unconstitutional.
The Labour Party made inroads in national politics in the 2023 general election years after its formation. It got six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats.
