APC Loses Another Rep Member From Ogun To PDP

The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the
House of Representatives was depleted on Thursday
following the defection of Hon. Abiodun Akinlade to the
Peoples Democratic Party.

Akinlade, who represents Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of
Ogun State, is the Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Science and Technology.
His defection to the PDP took place on the floor of the
House in Abuja yesterday.
The Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, had read Akinlade's
defection letter amid jubilation by PDP members, who
rushed to embrace their new member.
A rep member from Cross River State, Mr. Ini Udoka,
quickly adorned Akinlade with a PDP muffler.
Akinlade had told the Speaker Tambuwal that he was
covered under Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as
amended) to change his political party.

His letter read, "This is to formally inform you and the
leadership of the House of Representatives of my
intention to join the Peoples Democratic Party.
"This decision is premised on the fact that the Action
Congress of Nigeria, on which platform I won election
into the House in 2011, has merged with other parties to
form the All Progressives Congress.

"The Certificate of Registration of the ACN has since
been returned to the Independent National Electoral
Commission.

"You may note that I won election into the House in
2003 and 2007 on the platform of the PDP but got re-
elected in 2011 on the platform of the defunct ACN for
the third term.

"In line with Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution as
amended, many of my constituents and I resolved not to
be part of the subsequent merger that was negotiated
between the leadership of the defunct ACN and some
other political parties which led to the eventual
registration of the APC.

"I, however, thank the leadership of the defunct ACN for
giving me the opportunity to serve on its platform", he
said.

Akinlade is believed to be eyeing the Ogun governorship
seat in the 2015 general elections.