Eight members of the House of Representatives have announced their departure from their respective political parties in a significant political shift.
On Tuesday, six lawmakers from Delta State officially left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress, while two representatives from Enugu State transitioned from the Labour Party to the PDP.
The letters of defection were presented on the floor of the House during the resumption of plenary.
Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi), the longest-serving member of the House and Leader of the Southern regional caucus, led the defections from Delta State. Mutu has represented his constituency under the PDP banner since 1999.
The other defectors from Delta include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).
From the Labour Party, the members defecting to the PDP are Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu).
The lawmakers cited the ongoing crises within both the PDP and the Labour Party as key reasons for their defections, emphasising the need to find a more conducive platform to effectively represent their constituents.