PDP loses members as four lawmakers defect to APC

By Lizzy Chirkpi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday lost more lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly following the defection of a senator and three members of the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Samaila Kila, representing Bauchi North, announced his defection in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. Kila cited internal crises, factionalisation, and lack of direction within the PDP as reasons for leaving the party.

“It has become evident that the prolonged internal divisions and crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party have gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience,” he stated.

With his defection, the APC now holds 73 out of 109 seats in the Senate, securing a two-thirds majority for the first time since 2015.

Similarly, three PDP members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State—Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), Abdulkareem Ahmed (Kaduna South), and Sadiq Abdullahi (Sabon Gari)—also joined the APC.

Their defection letters were read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary, with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in attendance. The lawmakers attributed their move to lingering crises in the opposition party.