Kaduna rep defects from PDP to APC over ‘internal crisis’

Amos Magaji, a member of the house of representatives, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, announced Magaji’s defection in a letter read on the floor of the lower legislative chamber on Tuesday.

Magaji represents Zangon Kataf/Jaba federal constituency of Kaduna state.

The legislator said his defection was “necessitated by the unresolved crisis in the PDP”.

He said the internal crisis in the PDP has made it “impossible” to remain in the party.

However, Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, protested the defection, saying there was no crisis in the PDP.

Chinda demanded that Abbas should declare Magaji’s seat vacant in line with section 68 of the 1999 constitution which outlines the conditions under which a member can lose their seat.

Responding, Abbas said Chinda should officially write to him stating his request.

In recent weeks, a number of lawmakers have defected from the PDP and the Labour Party to the APC.

On October 2, Chris Nkwonta, who represents Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency of Abia state, left the PDP for APC.

On October 30, Sulaiman Abubakar, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara state, ditched the PDP for the APC.

On December 5, four LP members and one PDP lawmaker in the green chamber defected to the APC.