A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Joshua Chinedu Obika, has officially resigned from the Labour Party and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obika, who represents the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory, made the announcement during plenary at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 11.
The lawmaker publicly declared his decision on the floor of the Green Chamber, stating that the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party influenced his decision to leave the party.
According to Obika, the internal conflicts and instability currently affecting the party made it difficult for him to effectively pursue his political objectives and adequately represent his constituents.
He explained that the situation within the Labour Party prompted him to seek a new political platform where he believes he can better continue his political career and legislative responsibilities.
Obika stated that his move to the APC would provide him with greater opportunities to serve the people of his constituency and advance development initiatives for the communities he represents.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence that joining the ruling party would strengthen his ability to deliver democratic dividends to residents of the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.
In his remarks, Obika emphasized that the decision was taken after careful consideration of the political realities within his former party and his desire to ensure effective representation for his constituents.
Political observers say the Labour Party has been experiencing internal leadership disputes in recent months, which have affected the stability and cohesion of the party at both national and state levels.
These internal disagreements have led to uncertainty among some members and have occasionally triggered defections by politicians seeking more stable political platforms.
By joining the APC, Obika becomes part of Nigeria’s ruling political party, which currently holds a majority presence in the National Assembly.
The APC has remained a dominant force in Nigerian politics since winning the 2015 general elections and continues to attract lawmakers from opposition parties.
Following Obika’s announcement, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, acknowledged the defection and formally received the notice during the plenary session.
Speaker Abbas welcomed the lawmaker into the APC and noted that the House had taken note of the official communication regarding the change in party affiliation.
The defection highlights the continuing shifts within Nigeria’s political landscape as lawmakers occasionally move between parties due to internal disputes, strategic political calculations, or changing alliances.
For Obika, the move represents a new chapter in his political journey, as he seeks to strengthen his influence within the ruling party while continuing to represent the interests of his constituents in the National Assembly.
