Defection Announcement
Fom Dalyop Chollom, a member of the House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move was announced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a plenary session on Tuesday, adding Chollom to a string of recent defections to the APC.
Reasons for Defection
Chollom cited the ongoing political crisis within the LP and his ambition to better represent his constituents as the driving factors behind his decision to switch parties. However, this reasoning was contested by LP leaders within the House, namely Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and LP caucus leader George Ozodinobi. They argued that Chollom’s actions contravened constitutional provisions and called for his seat to be declared vacant.
Speaker’s Ruling
Despite objections from LP members, Speaker Abbas dismissed the calls to declare Chollom’s seat vacant, ruling that the defection adhered to the existing rules of the House. Chollom was subsequently welcomed into the APC by former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and other party members present at the event.
LP’s Response
The Labour Party expressed disappointment over the defection, labeling it as “quite unfortunate.” The party, through its spokesperson Obiora Ifoh, announced plans to legally challenge the lawmakers who defected, insisting that their seats should be declared vacant due to their actions being unconstitutional.
Recent Wave of Defections
Chollom’s move follows a pattern observed recently where four other LP representatives also defected to the APC, citing similar reasons of internal party discord. These include Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe. LP has vehemently disputed these claims of internal crisis.
READ ALSO:Five Lawmakers Defect to APC, Labour Party Reacts Strongly
Political Strategy for 2027
Honorable Benedict Etanabene, another LP member, suggested that the defections are strategically motivated by the upcoming 2027 elections. He pointed out that the political landscape in states like Edo and Ondo might be influencing this shift, as LP members doubt their re-election prospects under the current party banner.
Potential for More Defections
Etanabene also hinted at the possibility of further defections within the LP, stating, “There are still many others in the Labour Party that are thinking along that line too. So, if it happens tomorrow, I won’t be surprised.” This statement suggests that the internal dynamics of the LP could lead to more political realignments as the next election cycle approaches.
