On Tuesday, Fom Daniel Chollom, a member of the House of Representatives who was running on the Labour Party’s platform, declared his intention to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a letter read out by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary, Chollom gave two reasons for his decision: the LP’s leadership turmoil and his wish to assist the President with national development.
He said that his capacity to effectively represent the party was hampered by his inability to unite with any faction due to internal party strife.
He claimed to have given careful thought to the Labour Party’s leadership issue and to have concluded that joining the All Progressives Congress would best serve his constituents’ interests.
The defector said he was joining the APC to work with the President to bring democracy’s benefits to the Nigerian people, while also thanking the Labour Party for giving him the opportunity to run for office and visit the House.
In response to the defection, Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi called for Chollom’s seat to be declared vacant and attacked those quitting the Labour Party, calling them people who lacked ideological commitment.
He emphasized that there was no leadership issue within the party and stated the rate of defection from the Labour Party to the APC was quite alarming.
He claims that the departing member failed to remain in the party for more than seven months despite using the party’s platform to deny the House the services of some excellent lawmakers.
“Those defecting are people without ideology. I am worried by the rate of defection when there is no crisis in the Labour Party. I am very sorry for these members and I am very sorry for the APC because you will not earn their trust.
“I want to say that his seat must be declared vacant and we will do everything possible to ensure that is done,” Ozodinobi said.
Similarly, Kingsley China, the Minority Leader, claimed that Chollom had not taken the necessary action by first resigning from the Labour Party in his ward and then presenting the House with proof of his resignation prior to his letter being read.
Chinda emphasized that the House should not put the horse before the horse, saying that members should act morally before their letters of defection are read. If they don’t, the lawmaker’s seat should be deemed vacant.
