By Jimmy Fatunbi
Six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State on Tuesday announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a move seen as a boost to the political camp of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The lawmakers formally declared their new political affiliation during plenary at the House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, following the Sallah recess.
The defecting lawmakers are Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle.
In separate letters read on the floor of the House, the legislators attributed their decision to the lingering internal crisis and leadership disputes within the PDP, saying the situation had made it necessary for them to seek a new political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest development means that six of the 14 members of the Oyo State caucus in the House of Representatives have now aligned with the APM alongside Governor Makinde.
Meanwhile, the PDP both lost and gained members during Tuesday’s plenary session.
In Bauchi State, Auwalu Gwalabe also left the PDP for the APM. Conversely, Shehu Dalhatu, who represents Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.
Explaining his decision, Dalhatu said he had consulted widely with his constituents before resolving to join the PDP.
Also, Etanabene Benedict of Delta State left the Labour Party (LP) for the PDP, citing the prolonged crisis within the opposition party.
The PDP further strengthened its ranks with the addition of Alex Egbona, who resigned from the APC and joined the party, while reaffirming his commitment to serving his constituents and the House.
In another development, Edo State lawmaker Esosa Iyawe announced his departure from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), blaming irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership in the state.
Similarly, Gbefwi Gaza of Nasarawa State defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party, adding to the wave of political realignments witnessed on the floor of the House.
