PDP Crisis Worsens as Two Lawmakers Dump Party

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepens as two lawmakers announce their departure from the party.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced another significant blow with the defection of two of its House of Representatives members, Husseini Jallo from Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State and Adamu Tanko from Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency in Niger State, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Tuesday, during the plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced their defection by reading their letters. Jallo explained that his choice was influenced by the “ongoing crisis” within the PDP, noting that this instability had obstructed his capacity to effectively represent and serve his constituents.

He praised the Speaker’s leadership and expressed confidence that the APC provides a more stable foundation for his political future.

In a similar manner, Tanko mentioned that his choice to join the APC followed thorough discussions with political stakeholders in his constituency.

This is the second recent defection from the PDP in Kaduna, after Amos Magaji’s departure.

In response to the development, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda expressed concerns regarding the legal validity of the defections. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling that requires a comprehensive and justified defection process. Chinda urged for any seats involved in these defections to be declared vacant if due process was not adhered to.

Deputy Minority Leader Ali Isa also criticized the defections, asserting that the lawmakers should retract their letters or face potential legal consequences.

Isa stated that the PDP continues to be strong both as a party and in its role as an opposition. He emphasized that there is no crisis within the PDP, and urged defecting members to act honorably by resigning their positions and returning to their constituents for new elections.