The numerical strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives has rising to 243, following Thursday’s defection of the remaining five lawmakers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state to the ruling party.
240 is the constutu two-third majority of 360 required for making key decisons in the House.
With this development, all the eight members of the House of Representatives from the state are now in the APC.
Similarly, an LP lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau state also defected to the APC.
The PDP now has 72 members, LP 21, NNPP 15, APGA 5, SDP 2, ADC 1 and YPP 1.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary read the individual letters of defection from the five Enugu lawmakers and the Plateau representative.
It was witnessed by the Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the national chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Executive Director (Projects), South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Toby Okechukwu and a host of party faithful.
Those who defected include Hon. Nnoli Nnaji(Nkanu East/Nkanu West), Hon. Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South), Hon. Denis Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu), Hon. Sam Chimaobi Atu(Enugu North/Enugu South) and Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo).
While briefing the media on their decision to defect to the APC, the leader of the caucus, Hon. John Nnoli Nnaji said their action was a “Bold step into the future” aimed at repositioning the state for growth and inclusion.
He said their decision was guided by conviction and unity of purpose under the leadership of the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah.
Nnaji described the move as a deliberate act of political courage rather than convenience. “Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mba, we, this day, October 30th, announced our defection to the All Progressives Congress.
“This is not just a political move. It is a bold step into a future born out of courage, clarity and our shared determination to reposition Enugu State for greatness.”
He said the caucus could no longer afford to remain “Spectators while others shape the destiny of our nation”, adding that joining the APC would “Connect our constituencies to the heartbeat of national development and bring more projects, jobs, better infrastructure and opportunities for our youth and women.”
The caucus leader praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, saying he is “A man of courage, foresight and vision.”
Continuing, “We have decided to team up with our amiable and dynamic governor, who has through his transformational leadership changed the face of Enugu state in just two years. 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”.
He said, “Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity and growth for Enugu State.”
Hon. Nnaji also called on colleagues across party lines to put the people’s interests above politics.
“Politics should never divide us. It should empower us to serve our people better. As your representatives, we remain your voices, your advocates and your servants in the National Assembly.”
He assured that the caucus would continue to attract development projects to the state. “Today, we open the gates of a new dawn – a dawn of hope, inclusion and prosperity where all federal constituencies in Enugu will take their rightful place in Nigeria’s story of progress.”
The lawmaker expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC at all levels (national, zonal, and state) for their support, as well as to notable personalities from Enugu who witnessed the defection, including former ministers, former Speaker of the State Assembly, and other party stalwarts.
Nnaji dismissed concerns that the defection could threaten political balance in the state, insisting that “what is important is good governance”, He therefore called for unity and renewed commitment to service:
He explained, “We are not here to play politics of party. We are here to support the president, our governor, and to align Enugu State with the centre for the sake of development.
“Let us rise together, believe together and build together. The best days of our people are not behind us—they are just beginning.”
