Another Labour Party Lawmaker Defects to a Different Party

The Labour Party faces another setback as one of its lawmakers announces their defection, raising questions about party stability and future prospects.

Representative Dalyop Chollom, who serves the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in Plateau State as a member of the Labour Party (LP), has declared his switch to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, revealed the defection on Tuesday by reading Chollom’s resignation letter aloud on the floor of the House.

In his letter, Chollom explained that after careful consideration and due to the persistent crisis within the Labour Party, he had reached his decision.

He expressed that his main concern is the political future and welfare of his constituents, which he feels can be better supported under the APC platform.

Nonetheless, the defection stirred controversy when Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) invoked a Point of Order by citing Section 68 (1)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Chinda contended that the defection was unconstitutional and should be deemed null and void. He called on the House to refuse Chollom’s resignation letter.

Representative Chinda stated, “We must stop putting the cart before the horse. The letter you read was incorrect.”

The Minority Leader stated that the lawmaker should offer proof of his resignation from the party. However, the Speaker mentioned that he had reviewed all necessary documents and was satisfied with what the lawmaker provided.

However, Chinda mentioned that if the Speaker is content, he should adhere to the constitutional provisions regarding a lawmaker who has defected from their party and joined another.

He remarked, “By saying that the letter he wrote is in order, you are declaring his seat vacant.”

The Speaker stated that he reviewed the lawmaker’s presentation and declared the Minority Leader out of order.

In a similar vein, Representative George Ozodinobi (Anambra, LP) expressed disappointment over the defection, noting that there had been no crises within the Labor Party.

Senator Samuel Bako Lalong was present in the chambers to observe the announcement regarding the defection of the lawmaker from Plateau State.

Remember that last Thursday, five lawmakers switched allegiance to the APC; among them were four from the Labour Party (LP) and one from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The four lawmakers from the LP who switched to the APC are Rep. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Rep. Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Rep. Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Rep. Esosa Iyawe (Edo).

Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, has switched her political allegiance from the PDP to the APC.