From: Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives was further depleted, on Wednesday, as a member of the party from Plateau State, Hon Edward Pwajok, crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) .
In a letter announcing his defection, which was read at yesterday’s plenary by the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara, the lawmaker said he was leaving his former because of the crisis in the party.
As soon as the defection was announced, the minority leader , Hon Leo Ogor, who raised a point of order, faulted Pwajok claim that the PDP is factionalised.
He said going by the Appeal Court judgment, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is the National Chairman of the party. The minority demanded that the Plateau lawmaker must vacate his seat.
“We are presently in court. You are aware that Sheriff is the chairman of the party. I find it totally unacceptable. We demand for the vacation of his seat,” Ogor stated amidst shouts of “no, no” by APC legislators.
While welcoming Pwajok into the APC, the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila called on more PDP legislators to capitalise on the crisis within the party to cross over to the ruling party.
On his part, Dogara said the legality of the defection of Pwajok will be left for the Court to decide.
Addressing the Minority Leader, Dogara said: “Anytime any member defects to PDP I promise to give you one hour to celebrate.”
The Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, who who was at chamber to receive the new APC, said the lawmaker’s defection has opened the floodgate for other PDP legislators from the state to join the ruling party.
He said there are other PDP federal legislator in the state, who are ready to join the APC.
Speaking to journalists on his defection, Pwajok said if the PDP feels strongly about his defection, it should approach the Court, stating that ” I am ready for them. ”
Pwajok defection is coming on the heels of the defection another PDP member from Akwa Ibom State, Hon Emmanuel Ukoete, crossed to the ruling APC.
Others who have defected earlier include Hon Tony Nwoye and Emmanuel Hon Udende from Anambra and Benue states respectively. When the duo cross carpeted to the APC, they equally cited the leadership crisis in the party as reason for their defection.
The PDP members are currently divided between the National Chairman, Senator Sheriff and chairman of its caretaker committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
The Supreme Court is billed to start hearing an appeal by the Makarfi group against the judgment of the Appeal Court which recognised Sheriff as national chairman, later this month.