Labour Party Loses Seventh House of Representatives Member to APC

The Labour Party has faced another setback as a seventh federal lawmaker has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) within a week. Ajang Iliya, who represents the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in Plateau State, announced his decision during a plenary session of the House of Representatives, marking a significant blow to the LP’s parliamentary presence.

House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read Iliya’s letter of defection, which cited the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party and disagreements over the party’s stance on key national issues as reasons for his departure. Iliya stated he could no longer align with the party’s position, making it challenging to continue under its platform.

This defection follows a wave of similar moves by six other Labour Party lawmakers: Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), Daulyop Fom (Plateau), and Daniel Chollom (Plateau). Each cited the party’s leadership turmoil and a desire to contribute effectively to national development as their reasons for joining the APC.

One of the defected lawmakers explained the decision by pointing to the diverse opinions within their constituencies, emphasizing the need to act based on conviction and broader support for national policies. Another defector, Chollom, expressed concern over the Labour Party’s internal divisions, which he said hindered his ability to represent his constituents effectively. He noted that aligning with the APC would allow him to better support the President’s development agenda.