The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has consolidated its majority in the House of Representatives, following the defection of six lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, announced the cross-carpeting during Thursday’s plenary after reading the defection letters submitted by the legislators.

The defectors include five members from Enugu State and one from Plateau State:

• Daniel Ago (LP, Plateau)
• Chidi Obetta (PDP, Enugu)
• Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP, Enugu)
• Dennis Agbo (PDP, Enugu)
• Martins George (PDP, Enugu)
• Nnaji Nnolim (PDP, Enugu)

In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to “irreconcilable differences” and deep internal divisions within their former parties.

The political shift underscores a continuing trend of opposition members joining the APC, bolstering its influence in the National Assembly. The move is particularly significant in the South-East, where the APC has been actively working to expand its political footprint ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection ceremony was attended by key APC figures, including Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who himself recently defected from the PDP, and the APC National Chairperson, Nentawe Yilwatda, who observed the proceedings from the chamber.

The development highlights the ongoing instability within major opposition parties. The PDP continues to grapple with factional disputes in several states, while the LP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis between its National Chairperson, Julius Abure, and a faction led by Nenadi Usman.

After the announcement, the six lawmakers were formally welcomed to the APC side of the chamber amid cheers from their new colleagues.