The Labour Party caucus in Nigeria’s House of Representatives lost four members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday. The defecting lawmakers are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo).

In addition, Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, also left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Confirming his decision, Mathew, who represents Kaura Federal Constituency and gained attention for his 2023 election win as a commercial motorcyclist, cited personal conviction as the reason for his defection. He acknowledged mixed reactions from his constituency but emphasized the need to act decisively.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read their letters of defection during Thursday’s plenary session.