Member of Ondo State House of Representatives switches loyalty from PDP to APC
Lawmaker Switches Allegiance: Hon. Festus Akingbaso Joins All Progressives Congress
In a significant shift in Nigeria's political landscape, the representative of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Hon. Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This transition was announced during a plenary session on Wednesday by House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who read a letter from the Ondo lawmaker.
The announcement caused a stir in the House, with APC members expressing enthusiasm, and minority lawmakers showing reservations. This move, while not unheard of in political circles, marks a blow to the PDP, potentially indicating a broader trend of political realignments (source: 2, 4).
Meanwhile, Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has conveyed his confidence in the APC's prospects for the 2027 elections. He asserted that the party enjoys popular support and will emerge victorious despite opposition efforts to unseat it. Kalu made this statement on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, emphasizing that APC members are investing in industries across the country to bolster job creation and employment (source: 3).
The former Senate Chief Whip attributed this support to President Bola Tinubu's performance in office, stating that the opposition coalition's efforts would not derail his 2027 re-election bid (source: 3).
The Reps have adjourned plenary ahead of Eid Al-Adha 2025, and other news stories cover investigations, declarations, and statements concerning both the PDP and APC (source: 1, 3-6). However, specific reasons for Hon. Akingbaso's decision to defect remain undisclosed.
- Hon. Festus Akingbaso's decision to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked discussions in the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency and across Nigeria, known colloquially as Naija.
- The Senate, as part of the policy-and-legislation and general-news sphere, is closely monitoring the implications of this political move, as it might signify a wave of further political realignments.
- In a related development, Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed faith in the APC's chances for the 2027 elections, citing popular support and economic investments in various industries as factors.
- This optimism comes at a time when President Bola Tinubu's performance is said to have gained the support of political stakeholders, posing challenges for opposition parties like the PDP.
- In Abuja, the epicenter of Nigerian politics, senators, representatives (Reps), and other political figures continue to make headlines with their decisions, declarations, and statements, shaping the course of the nation's political landscape.
- The impending Eid Al-Adha 2025 has forced the Reps to temporarily suspend their plenary sessions, allowing for reflection and an assessment of the impact of recent political events, such as Hon. Akingbaso's defection, on the political parties and the Nigerian public.
