More Trouble for LP as Lawmaker Dumps Party, Joins APC

Just barely one week after four lawmakers of the House of Representatives defected from Labour Party, another member, Dalyop Chollom has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chollom, the lawmaker representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom at the House of Representatives announced his defection on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

In a letter presented to the House of Representatives members at the plenary, the Chollom said he was leaving the Labour Party for the ruling APC.

Reading Chollom’s letter on the floor of the House, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas said Challom noted that he defected from the Labour Party to the APC after deep reflection and as a result of the crisis rocking the party in the country.

According to Chollom’s letter, the political future of his constituents is most important and he believes that he would serve his people better in the APC.

Reacting to Chollom’s letter, the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda of the Peoples Democratic Party (Rivers) raised a Point of Order.

Chinda while quoting Section 68 (1) (d) of the Constitution, described Chollom’s defection as a null and void.

He further prayed the House to reject his colleague’s letter of defection stating, “We cannot continue to put the cart before the horse. That letter you read was not right”.

The Minority Leader said that his colleague failed to provide evidence of his resignation from the party.

However, in Chollom’s defence, the Speaker said he had seen everything and was satisfied with what the lawmaker presented before him.

To this Chinda citing the provision of the rules of the House and the constitution said, “If you say the letter he wrote is in order, you declare his seat vacant”.

However, Abbas claimed that the lawmaker’s presentation and letter was in order and su=ubsequently ruled out Chinda’s point of order.

Also reacting, a Labour Party lawmaker, George Ozodinobi (Anambra) said Chollom’s defection was disheartening because there is no crisis in LP as claimed by the lawmaker.