The House of Representatives resumed plenary on May 5 after a lengthy recess, with eight members announcing their defection to new political parties.
Six lawmakers from Delta State formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), while two members from Enugu State defected from the Labour Party to the PDP.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read the defection letters on the floor during the session.
Leading the group was Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi), the longest-serving member of the House and Leader of the Southern regional caucus, who had represented his constituency under the PDP since 1999.
Other Delta defectors include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).
From Enugu State, Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu) left the Labour Party for the PDP.
The lawmakers cited ongoing internal crises within their former parties and the desire for a more stable platform to effectively represent their constituents.