By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A member of House of Representatives member from Abia State, Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo on Thursday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Onuigbo’s letter to the House announcing his defection was read at Thursday’s plenary by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. According to the lawmaker, his decision to dump the PDP was informed by “his zeal to join other progressives to move the country forward.”
The announcement was publicized by the House of Representatives on their official Twitter account.
Hon. Onuigbo said he had consulted widely among his constituents before reaching the decision. The announcement led to jubilation by APC members present at the plenary, while PDP members protested.
Attempts by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and his deputy, Hon. Toby Okechukwu as well as another PDP member for the Speaker to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant based on the provisions of Section 68 of the constitution failed.
The defection was witnessed by the Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu.