Alfred Illiya Ajang, the member representing Jos South and East Federal Constituency, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was announced in a letter read by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary.
In the letter, Ajang cited the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party as the reason for his decision.
The announcement sparked a heated debate in the House, with some lawmakers questioning the validity of the letter. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda argued that the letter did not adhere to the constitutional requirements of the House, which stipulate that any member wishing to defect must first inform their constituents and party members before the letter is presented.
Chinda contended that since this procedure was not followed, the letter should not be accepted. However, Speaker Abbas overruled his objection and allowed the letter to be read.
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, now a serving senator for Plateau South, was present in the House to support his colleague’s defection. The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong into the proceedings.
Ajang’s defection adds to a growing trend of lawmakers leaving the Labour Party for the APC, following a series of internal disputes within the opposition party. Just days prior, Dalyop Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, also defected from the LP to the APC, citing similar reasons related to party turmoil. Earlier this year, four other House members left the LP for the ruling party, pointing to internal disagreements as their main motivation.
In response to the defections, the Labour Party threatened legal action, asserting that the actions of the defectors were unconstitutional. Despite these setbacks, the LP made significant gains in the 2023 general elections, securing six Senate seats and 34 House of Representatives seats, marking a notable entrance into Nigeria’s national politics.
