Two members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday officially defected from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Peter Akpanke, who represents the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State, announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Similarly, Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, left the Labour Party to join the APC.
Their defection was formally disclosed by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary.
In the same sitting, lawmakers deliberated on a bill seeking to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act, specifically to extend the capital component deadline to December 31, 2025. The bill successfully passed its second reading.
Speaker Abbas noted that the proposed extension was necessary due to inadequate funding available to implement the capital projects initially budgeted for 2024.
In a separate development, President Bola Tinubu communicated his decision to withhold assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment Bill. His letter to the House cited concerns over the bill’s financial implications and its conflict with existing laws. The President maintained that signing it into law would not serve the public interest.
What you should know
The APC gained two new members in the House of Representatives following the defection of lawmakers from the PDP and Labour Party. On the legislative front, the House advanced a bill to extend the 2024 capital budget deadline, while President Tinubu declined to approve the National Assembly Library Trust Fund bill over legal and funding concerns.
