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Members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the cracks within the opposition party.
The lawmakers, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, and Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, announced their decision during Thursday’s plenary session at the National Assembly.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters on the floor of the House, confirmed their move, saying, “Both members have formally notified the chamber of their defection from the PDP to the APC with effect from October 30, 2025.”
In his letter to the Speaker, Hon. Nnaji attributed his decision to persistent internal divisions within the PDP, which he said had made it “nearly impossible to function or contribute meaningfully” as a member of the party.
“The endless disputes and lack of direction within the PDP have crippled the party’s ability to provide credible opposition and meaningful representation,” Nnaji’s letter partly read.
“After wide consultations with my family, constituents, and political associates, I have decided to move on.”
Aides close to the lawmakers revealed that both men had been under pressure from their supporters to join the APC, especially as the ruling party strengthens its influence in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking after their defection, Nnaji expressed optimism about working with the APC-led government to attract more development to Enugu State.
“Our people deserve results, not endless political infighting,” he said. “I’m confident this move will enable me to better serve my constituency.”
House Speaker Abbas welcomed the new members, assuring them of fair treatment and collaboration.
“Every member here, regardless of when they joined, will be given equal opportunity to contribute,” he stated.
The defectors were later received by the APC National Chairman, Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who attended the plenary session.
He commended the lawmakers’ decision, describing it as a “bold and progressive step” toward national unity and inclusive governance.
AFRIPOST reports that the latest defections may signal a further weakening of the PDP in Enugu, a state long considered one of its traditional strongholds.