Three members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday formally defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to opposition parties, in a move that further highlights internal tensions following the party’s primaries.
The lawmakers are Hon. Abubakar Baba Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State; Hon. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Zamfara State; and Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
While Zango and El-Rasheed joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bala defected to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing political considerations and what he described as the approval of their constituents after the outcome of the APC primaries.
Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the House during plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who represents Kaduna State on the platform of the APC.
In his letter, Zango said developments within the APC in his constituency made it difficult for him to continue pursuing his political aspirations under the party’s structure.
Bala, on his part, said his decision to move to the PRP was driven by the need to continue his political journey on a platform he believes better reflects the interests of his constituents.
Following the announcement, the Speaker acknowledged the defections and wished the lawmakers success in their new political platforms.
The development adds to a growing wave of political realignments within the APC, as several lawmakers and aspirants reassess their positions ahead of the next electoral cycle following disputes arising from the party’s primaries.
