Another defection has struck the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Salisu Garba Koko, a representative from Kebbi State in the House of Representatives, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This marks the second defection within 24 hours.
Koko, who represents the Besse/Maiyama Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, announced his decision in a letter delivered to the House, which was read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
In his letter, Koko cited a “protracted crisis” within the PDP as the basis for his departure.
This news comes just a day after another party member, Amos Gwamna Magaji from Kaduna State, also left the PDP, citing similar reasons.
In response to the situation, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda expressed his discontent and refuted claims of a “protracted crisis” within the PDP as stated by Koko. He argued that it is misleading for departing lawmakers to misrepresent the party’s current state, emphasising that disagreements are a common occurrence in political parties, not unique to the PDP, as both the APC and LP are experiencing their own forms of discord.
Chinda urged the Speaker to declare Koko’s seat vacant, as stipulated by the constitution. However, the Speaker clarified that the House lacks the authority to declare a member’s seat vacant, asserting that such decisions are solely within the jurisdiction of the courts.
Journalist101 recalls that Amos Gwamna Magaji, the member representing Java/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna State on Tuesday , defected to the APC.
