13 Reps switch parties as Chinda resigns as Minority Leader

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Tuesday witnessed a fresh wave of defections as 13 lawmakers formally announced their departure from their political parties during plenary, citing internal crises, leadership disputes, and the need to better serve their constituents.

The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, read letters from the affected members notifying the chamber of their decisions and the reasons behind the defections.

Among the defectors was Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), with the switch taking effect from May 2026.

Alex Ehnona also announced his

defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring colleagues that his loyalty and commitment to the House remained unwavering despite the change in party affiliation.

In what was described as his second party switch within three weeks, Esosa Iyawo moved from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

 The lawmaker cited irreconcilable differences within the Edo State chapter of the APC and the party’s failure to address concerns raised by members.

 He also withdrew an earlier letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

Sani Lawal formally left the APC, effective May 4, explaining that the move was aimed at repositioning himself to better serve his constituents.

Similarly, Shehu Tafoki defected from the APC to the PDP after what he described as careful reflection and broad consultations geared toward enhancing service delivery to his people.

The House also recorded a significant exodus from the PDP in Oyo State, as six lawmakers moved to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The lawmakers Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle, and Abbas Adigun attributed their decisions to the lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, unresolved disputes, and legal battles within the PDP.

According to their letters, extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders informed their decisions, which they described as necessary to ensure effective representation.

Also joining the PDP was Etanebene Benedict, who defected from the Labour Party. He attributed his decision to the dissolution of the party’s executive structure, which he said left members without recognised officials to engage with during the nomination process.

He further claimed that many leaders of the party were openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, creating an increasingly difficult environment for him to remain in the Labour Party.

Meanwhile, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State announced his departure from the PDP to the APM, with effect from May 4.

In a related development, former Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, formally resigned from his position following his defection from the PDP to the APC and his emergence as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read Chinda’s resignation letter during plenary, in which the lawmaker announced his decision to step down as Minority Leader with effect from April 23, 2026.

In the letter, Chinda expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the leadership position, stating that it had been “a profound honour and privilege” to represent the collective interests of the Minority Caucus and contribute to the legislative work of the House.

“It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, representing the collective interest of the Minority Caucus and contributing to the legislative work of the House. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development,” the letter read.

The Rivers lawmaker, however, assured the House that his resignation from the leadership position would not affect his legislative responsibilities.

“I remain fully committed to my duties as a member of the House and will continue to support the work of the legislature in every way possible. Please accept the assurances of my high esteem and continued regards,” he stated.

Chinda’s resignation brings an end to his tenure as leader of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber and is expected to trigger consultations among opposition lawmakers over the appointment of a new Minority Leader.

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