By Divine Sam
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) faced another blow on Wednesday as two members of the House of Representatives defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Okolie Lawrence, representing the Aniocha North/Aniocha South/Oshimili North/Oshimili South federal constituency of Delta State, announced his departure from the Labour Party. He cited a desire to bring governance closer to his constituents as the reason for joining the APC.
Similarly, Hon. Akingbaso Olanrewaju, who represents the Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State, exited the PDP. He blamed unresolved internal crises within the party for his decision and expressed support for the APC’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda challenged Olanrewaju’s justification, insisting there was no such crisis in the PDP. Despite his objection, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, acknowledged the concern but proceeded with the day’s legislative proceedings.
These defections are part of a broader trend, with several lawmakers in recent months crossing over to the APC. The shift has solidified the ruling party’s dominance in the House of Representatives and raised growing apprehension among opposition parties about the potential emergence of a one-party state.
This wave of defections isn’t limited to the House; similar movements are occurring in the Senate. Additionally, some sitting governors and key political figures have also abandoned the opposition, further boosting the APC’s political strength nationwide.