The Labour Party (LP) member in the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Dalyop Chollom, has decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker who represents the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal constituency announced his defection via a letter that was read during the House session on Tuesday by the Speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen.
In his statement regarding the defection, the Speaker relayed that the lawmaker indicated he made the decision to leave the LP for the APC after considerable contemplation, citing the ongoing turmoil within the party as a significant factor.
He expressed that the political well-being of his constituents is paramount and asserted his belief that he would be able to serve them more effectively within the ruling party.
In response, the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), raised a Point of Order, referencing Section 68 (1) (d) of the Constitution, and declared the defection to be invalid.
He subsequently requested that the House dismiss the letter of defection submitted by the lawmaker.
Chinda said, “We cannot continue to put the cart before the horse. That letter you read was not right.”
The Minority Leader emphasized that the legislator must furnish proof of his resignation from the party; however, the Speaker indicated that he had reviewed all relevant information and was content with the documentation provided by the legislator.
In response, Chinda asserted that if the Speaker is indeed satisfied, he ought to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Constitution regarding the status of a legislator who has defected from their party to join another.
He added, “If you say the letter he wrote is in order, you declare his seat vacant.”
The Speaker stated that he had reviewed the presentation made by the lawmaker and subsequently deemed the Minority Leader to be out of order.
In a similar vein, Representative George Ozodinobi from Anambra, representing the Labour Party, expressed disappointment regarding the defection, noting that the Labour Party was not experiencing any internal conflicts.
Senator Samuel Bako Lalong was present in the chambers to observe the announcement concerning the defection of the lawmaker from Plateau State.
Naija News recalls that last Thursday, five lawmakers, comprising four members of the Labour Party and one from the Peoples Democratic Party, transitioned to the All Progressives Congress.
The four Labour Party members who defected to the APC are Representative Tochukwu Chinedu Okere from Imo, Representative Donatus Matthew from Kaduna, Representative Akiba Bassey from Cross River, and Representative Esosa Iyawe from Edo.
Additionally, Representative Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, switched her allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.