Date: 2018-08-01

23 out of 24 members of the Kwara State House of Assembly have defected from All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad, while reading the letter written by the Leader of the House ,Hon. Hassan Oyeleke on behalf of the 23 other members, cited the provision section 109 (1)(g) of the nation's 1999 Constitution ,as amended, to renounce their membership from the APC.

However ,member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, Hon Saheed Popoola ,did not join his colleagues in defecting to the PDP.

Each of the 23 members at the plenary took turn to sign the letter indicating their defection from the APC.

Speaking shortly after members' defection, the Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad, said members were unanimous in their conclusion that the APC under which they were elected was far from being one that can lead Nigeria out of the wood.

Dr Ahmad noted with displeasure that "the intrigues and power play that birthed the long drawn legal battle with key members of the party over phanthom allegations, coupled with the arbitrary use of government institutions like the police and anti corruption agencies for harassment and intimidation of perceived opponents of people in power since APC assumed power had dealt a heavy blow to governance " thereby turning the country to object of ridicule among the comity of nations.

The Speaker explained with dismay that with the current flagrant spate of disobedient to court rulings the federal government had thrown the rule of law which he said was the bedrock of democracy to the dog.

He recalled how his colleagues had toed the path of honour and displayed humility during the crisis while some players in the party, according to him, had refused to be placated and were hellbent in continuing to fan the embers of discord and disunity in the APC.

Dr. Ahmad said members had before now consulted widely with their constituents and indications from the consultations he said indicated that their people had become disillusioned with their continuous stay in the APC p permeated with non performance, injustice and impunity.