28th October, 2014
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on Tuesday in Abuja defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tambuwal announced his defection shortly after the House Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo) moved a motion for the house to adjourn sitting till Dec. 3.
“In pursuit of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and in view of the political developments in my state, I wish to formally inform you of my membership of the APC .
“This is in continuation of the great sacrifice and also the need to ensure development of constitutional democracy,” Tambuwal said.
Meanwhile members of APC caucus in the house, in a swift reaction, told newsmen that the development was a historic one.
Leader of the APC caucus, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) said that the move was consistent with the law, adding that “the APC members would continue to support the current leadership”.
Similarly, Rep. Samson Osagie (APC-Edo) said that the house, which adjourned till Dec 3, was to enable the lawmakers to consult with their constituents and promote their political interest ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Osagie, however, ruled out possible counter move by the PDP against the leadership of the house.
According to him, “there is unity in this house and that is the kind of unity we want to be replicated in every part of this country”.
He further described Tambuwal as a bridge builder who had united the house in spite of different political affiliations of members of the parliament.
NAN recalls that Tambuwal became the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the platform of PDP in 2011.