A member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, Rep. Samuel Onuigbo, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rep. Onuigbo, who hails from Abia State, announced his defection to the APC in a letter read at Thursday’s plenary by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
The lawmaker said his decision to dump the PDP was informed by his zeal to join other progressives to move the country forward. He said he had consulted widely among his constituents before reaching the decision.
The announcement led to jubilation by APC members present at the plenary, while PDP members kicked.
Attempts by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu and his deputy, Rep. Toby Okechukwu as well as another PDP member for the Speaker to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant based on the provisions of Section 68 of the constitution failed. The defection was witnessed by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a former governor of Abia State.
