From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Labour Party suffered another blow on Thursday as Hon. Ajang Alfred Ilia, representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ilia, in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary, cited the leadership crisis bedeviling the Labour Party as a major reason for his departure.
He also noted that his decision to join the APC was influenced by his desire to align with the national development agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Former Plateau State Governor and current Senator for Plateau South, Simon Lalong, was present in the House of Representatives to witness Ilia’s defection.
Ilia’s departure marks the sixth defection of Labour Party lawmakers in just one week.
Last Thursday, four members of the House of Representatives—Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Donatus Matthew, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe—moved to the APC.
Similarly, on Tuesday, Daniel Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in Plateau State, also left the Labour Party for the APC.
This string of defections has raised questions about the stability and cohesion of the Labour Party, with analysts suggesting that internal divisions and governance issues are eroding the party’s influence in the National Assembly.
