In a significant political shift, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi and House of Representatives member Salman Idris have both left their respective parties to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who represents Imo East Senatorial District, announced his defection from the Labour Party (LP) during Tuesday's Senate plenary session. His move was formally announced by the Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. Onyewuchi cited internal crises within the Labour Party as his reason for resigning, aligning his decision with constitutional dictates. His defection increases the number of APC Senators from Imo State to three.
In a parallel development, Salman Idris, representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC. His decision was made public in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Earlier in the day, the Senate welcomed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum. Uzodimma and his team were present to witness Onyewuchi’s defection.
Onyewuchi was warmly received by APC lawmakers and promptly took his seat in the APC wing of the Senate Chambers. This wave of defections underscores the ongoing realignments within Nigeria's political landscape.