Dalyop Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a wave of defections. His move highlights internal issues within the LP, prompting heated debates about the party’s future and its ability to retain elected officials.
The Labour Party (LP) is facing significant internal turmoil as Dalyop Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 10, 2024. His exit follows the departure of four other LP lawmakers in the previous week, fueling concerns about the party’s stability.
Chollom, in his resignation letter presented during a plenary session, cited ongoing crises within the LP as the reason for his departure. He emphasized that his constituents would be better served under the APC. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the letter, but the move sparked intense debate in the House of Representatives. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) challenged the defection on constitutional grounds, citing Section 68(1)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires a lawmaker’s resignation from their party to be proven. He further argued that if valid, Chollom’s seat should be declared vacant.
Despite Chinda’s objections, Speaker Abbas ruled that the defection was in order, and Chollom’s seat was not vacated. LP lawmaker George Ozodinobi (Anambra) expressed disappointment, calling Chollom's explanation of party crises unconvincing and reaffirming the LP's stability. Chollom’s defection underscores a troubling trend of lawmakers leaving the LP, raising concerns about the party’s internal dynamics and its ability to retain its elected officials amidst growing political shifts.
