Isaac Samuel
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives following the defection of six lawmakers at the plenary on Thursday.
While five lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, one member from Plateau moved from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.
Their defection, announced during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, raises the APC’s numerical strength in the 360-member chamber to 243.
With this, the ruling party now surpasses the two-thirds benchmark of 240 members.
The new alignment leaves the PDP with 74 lawmakers, while LP holds 21 seats. The NNPP now has 15 members; APGA, five; ADC, one; SDP, two; and YPP, one.
At the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, APC had 175 members; PDP, 118; LP, 35; NNPP, 19; APGA, five; ADC, two; SDP, two; and YPP, one, while three seats were vacant. At the time, the combined opposition strength of 182 outweighed the ruling party’s 175.
However, a wave of defections has since tilted the balance of power in favour of the APC, as lawmakers reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development gives the ruling party greater control of proceedings, including the capacity to take key legislative decisions and pass resolutions without reliance on opposition support.
The Enugu lawmakers who defected are: Nnolim John Nnaji (Nkanu East/Nkanu West),Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River), Oke Martins (Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani), Obetta Mark Chidiebere (Nsukka/Igboeze South), and Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu).
They were joined by Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in Plateau State.
Speaking on behalf of the Enugu caucus after plenary Nnolim Nnaji said the decision was driven by their collective resolve to align with the state governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he described as a visionary leader transforming Enugu and integrating it into the national development agenda.
He lamented that for too long, Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of the nation.
According to Nnaji, that era is over, adding that the lawmakers have refused to remain spectators when they can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.
The lawmakers pledged to support Governor Mbah, whom they described as a visionary leader whose developmental strides in education, aviation, technology, and security have turned Enugu into a reference point for good governance.
They added that their defection would connect our constituency to the heartbeat of national development, bringing more projects, jobs, and infrastructure to the people.
They said: “For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.
“By aligning with the APC — the party steering national transformation — we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.
“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.
“We salute our Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his courage, foresight, and leadership. He has shown us that true progress demands bold choices.
Nnaji said the lawmakers have decided to team up with the governor, who he said has through his transformational leadership changed the face of Enugu state in just two years.
According to him, through Governor Mbah, Enugu state has become the reference point for good leadership.
“We, therefore commend Governor Mbah for his developmental exploits in education, aviation, science and Information technology and indeed all areas of human endeavour. Today, there is security of lives and property and investors are flooding into Enugu state to take advantage of the fertile environment provided by Governor Mbah.
“Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity, and growth for Enugu State.
“To our brothers and sisters who have walked this journey with us — thank you. To our colleagues and supporters across party lines — let us unite in purpose. Politics should never divide us; it should empower us to serve our people better.
“As your representatives, we remain your voice, your advocate, and your servant in the National Assembly. We will continue to defend your interests, attract development, and ensure that every corner of Enugu State feels the impact of good governance.
“Today, we open the gates of a new dawn.
A dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity.
A dawn where Enugu state takes her rightful place in the story of Nigeria’s progress.
Let us rise together, believe together, and build together — for the best days of our people are not behind us… they are just beginning”, they said.
