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 Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary, the defected member cited the crisis within the Labour Party as the reason for his switch.
The announcement led to a heated session in the House as some lawmakers questioned the contents of the letter.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised objections, stating that the letter did not comply with the House’s constitution and should therefore be rejected.
He emphasized that any member wishing to defect must first inform their constituents and party members before submitting a letter, a requirement he argued had not been met.
Despite Chinda’s objections, the Speaker overruled the point of order.
Former Labour and Employment Minister and current senator Simon Lalong attended the House session to support his colleague during the defection.
The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong representing Plateau South senatorial district.
Alfred Illiya Ajang’s defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) adds to the growing number of federal lawmakers leaving one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.
Just days ago, Dalyop Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, also switched from the LP to the APC, citing the internal crisis within the party as his reason.
Several weeks ago, four other members of the House of Representatives followed suit, defecting from the LP to the ruling party, again due to internal disputes within the Labour Party.
In response to these defections, the Labour Party threatened legal action, arguing that the lawmakers’ actions were unconstitutional.
The LP, which made significant strides in national politics during the 2023 general elections, secured six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats, marking a breakthrough for the party after its formation.