After months of speculation and denial, the speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC.
Mr. Tambuwal formally announced his defection Tuesday at the House plenary. He is required by law to declare formally to his colleague lawmakers.
The speaker, for months, denied he was moving to the APC despite openly associating with the party.
The clearest indication he had joined the party came more than a week ago when he attended a meeting of the opposition party in Sokoto State.
He said the state governor, Aliyu Wammako, had invited him for the meeting after he was snubbed by a visiting PDP delegation to the state, led by Tony Anenih, the Board of Trustees chairman.
Mr. Tambuwal is expected to contest for the governorship of his native Sokoto State.
His months of denial is believed to have been informed by his concerns about losing his position as the speaker.
Shortly after the declaration Tuesday, Mr. Tambuwal adjourned sitting of the lower house of parliament to December 3.
– PREMIUM TIMES
