By Peter Omopo
Six members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The notices of defection were formally read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a special plenary session on the consideration of the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills.
In their respective letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as persistent internal divisions within the PDP, which they said had continued to undermine cohesion and effective functioning of the party. They also commended the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past two years and expressed their readiness to work with the federal government in its efforts to rebuild the nation.
The defecting lawmakers are Dum Dekor (Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency), Solomon Bob (Ahoada East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency), Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba Federal Constituency), Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency II), Felix Nweke (Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency) and Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency).
Top officials of the APC were present in the chamber to witness the defections. They include the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar; National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; and National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.
However, the development drew objections from the opposition. Rising on a point of order, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, argued that defections announced on the floor of the House were not backed by law. Similarly, the Deputy Minority Leader, Ali Isa, contended that the lawmakers risked losing their seats as a result of the defection.
In his response, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the concerns raised by the minority lawmakers but maintained that any member who wishes to formally notify the House of a change in party affiliation is free to do so at any time.
