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Defection Storm Rocks Reps as 13 Lawmakers Switch Parties, Chinda Quits Minority Leader Role
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives was thrown into political realignment on Tuesday as 13 lawmakers formally announced their defection from various political parties, while former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, stepped down from his leadership position following his move to the ruling APC.
The defections, announced during plenary, were conveyed through letters read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, with the affected lawmakers citing internal crises, leadership disputes and the need to better represent their constituents.
Among those who switched parties was Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), with the defection taking effect from May 2026.
Similarly, Alex Ehnona left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring colleagues that the change in political affiliation would not affect his commitment to legislative duties.
In another notable move, Esosa Iyawo announced his second party switch in less than a month, dumping the APC for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He blamed persistent disagreements within the Edo State chapter of the APC and what he described as the party’s failure to address concerns raised by members. He also formally withdrew an earlier letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his dedication to democratic ideals.
Also exiting the APC were Sani Lawal and Shehu Tafoki. Lawal said his decision, which took effect on May 4, was intended to reposition himself for more effective service to his constituents. Tafoki, who joined the PDP, said extensive consultations informed his decision and that the move would enhance his ability to deliver representation.
A major shift occurred in Oyo State, where six PDP lawmakers crossed over to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The lawmakers — Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle and Abbas Adigun — attributed their departure to protracted leadership crises, internal divisions and unresolved disputes within the PDP.
According to their letters, the decision followed broad consultations with constituents and political stakeholders and was necessary to ensure effective representation.
The PDP also gained a new member in Etanebene Benedict, who defected from the Labour Party. Benedict cited the dissolution of the party’s executive structure, which he said left members without recognised officials to engage during nomination processes. He further alleged that several party leaders were openly backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, making it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the party.
Meanwhile, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State also left the PDP for the APM, with effect from May 4.
In a related development, Chinda formally resigned as Minority Leader following his defection from the PDP to the APC and his emergence as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.
Speaker Abbas read Chinda’s resignation letter on the floor of the House, in which the lawmaker announced that he was relinquishing the position with effect from April 23, 2026.
In the letter, Chinda expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the opposition caucus.
“It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, representing the collective interest of the Minority Caucus and contributing to the legislative work of the House. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development,” the letter read.
Despite leaving the leadership position, Chinda assured lawmakers that he would continue to play an active role in parliamentary affairs.
“I remain fully committed to my duties as a member of the House and will continue to support the work of the legislature in every way possible. Please accept the assurances of my high esteem and continued regards,” he stated.
His resignation marks the end of his tenure as Minority Leader and is expected to spark consultations among opposition lawmakers over who will succeed him as the leader of the minority caucus in the Green Chamber.
By Prosper Olayiwola
A House of Assembly Candidate for Ikole Constituency 1 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kayode Arewa Sanni, has called on his constituents, party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arewa Sanni made the call in Ikole-Ekiti while addressing party faithful and supporters at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
He said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for the people of Ikole Constituency 1 to chart a new course of inclusive representation, people-oriented legislation and accelerated development.
The candidate noted that disunity among party members and supporters remains the greatest obstacle to victory, stressing that only a united front can dislodge entrenched interests and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I appeal to all our party leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers across Ikole Constituency 1 to put aside personal differences and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
Arewa Sanni said his candidacy was driven by a desire to give Ikole Constituency 1 a vibrant and responsive voice in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
He assured constituents that if given the mandate, he would prioritise quality representation and ensure that government presence is felt in all communities within the constituency.
He also called on supporters of the ADC across Ekiti State to rally behind the party’s vision of good governance, transparency and accountability as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
The aspirant expressed confidence that with unity, commitment and collective effort, the ADC would emerge victorious in Ikole Constituency 1 and other constituencies across the state.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
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