The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) suffered fresh setbacks on Wednesday as two members of the House of Representatives defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okolie Lawrence, representing Aniocha North/Aniocha South/Oshimili North/Oshimili South federal constituency of Delta State, abandoned the Labour Party for the APC. Lawrence stated that his decision to join the ruling party was aimed at bringing governance closer to his constituents.

Similarly, Olanrewaju Akingbaso from Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State left the PDP for the APC. He attributed his defection to "lingering internal crisis" within the PDP while expressing alignment with the APC's ideology and President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akingbaso's defection prompted immediate protest from Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who raised a point of order arguing that there was no crisis in the PDP. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the objection but proceeded with legislative business.

Growing Trend of Defections

These latest defections are part of a growing pattern in the House of Representatives, where numerous lawmakers have recently abandoned opposition parties to join the APC. The trend has significantly strengthened the ruling party's influence in the lower chamber.

Similar defections are occurring in the Senate, with serving governors and other prominent politicians also switching allegiance to the ruling party. This ongoing migration of elected officials to the APC has sparked concerns about Nigeria potentially evolving into a one-party state.

Political analysts note that these defections further weaken opposition voices in the National Assembly at a time when robust democratic debate is essential for addressing the nation's challenges.

The opposition parties are yet to announce comprehensive strategies to stem the tide of defections as the APC continues to consolidate its position across all levels of government.