APC gains 5, then loses 5 reps

‎Five members of the federal house of representatives have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But in a twist, five APC members have also defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The house members are Ishaka Mohammed (majority whip, Ibi/Wukari constituency, Taraba), Ibrahim El-sudi (Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna constituency, Taraba), Adams Jagaba (Kachiya/Kagarko constituency, Kaduna), Hembe Herman (Konshisha/Vandekiya constituency, Benue) and Ahmed Aisha (Yola north/Yola south and Girei constituency, Adamawa).

The five house members from Ogun state who defected from APC to SDP are Adeyemi Adekunle (Ifo/Ewekoro constituency), Olumide Osoba (Abeokuta north/Obafemi Owode/Odeda constituency), Biodun AuduW(aterside/Ijebu northeast constituency),Tunde Ogunola (Ado Odo/Ota constituency) and Taofik Ogunmola.

The defection literally represents no numerical progress for APC, having lost five members and gained another five.

But it does reduce the chances of PDP to force Tambuwal’s removal as speaker.

A gale of defections in recent months has caused frequent changes in the numerical strength of the two leading parties.

PDP previously had 189 members to APC’s 159, the remaining 12 lawmakers coming from other smaller parties.

But after Tuesday’s defection PDP’s number drops to 184; and the loss of these five members further reduces the possibility of securing the nod of 240 of the 360-man chamber to impeach Tambuwal.