The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives was depleted on Thursday following the defection of Hon. Abiodun Akinlade to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Akinlade, who represents Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State, is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology.
His defection to the PDP took place on the floor of the House in Abuja yesterday.
The Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, had read Akinlade’s defection letter amid jubilation by PDP members, who rushed to embrace their new member.
A rep member from Cross River State, Mr. Ini Udoka, quickly adorned Akinlade with a PDP muffler.
Akinlade had told the Speaker Tambuwal that he was covered under Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to change his political party.
His letter read, “This is to formally inform you and the leadership of the House of Representatives of my intention to join the Peoples Democratic Party.
“This decision is premised on the fact that the Action Congress of Nigeria, on which platform I won election into the House in 2011, has merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress.
“The Certificate of Registration of the ACN has since been returned to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“You may note that I won election into the House in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the PDP but got re-elected in 2011 on the platform of the defunct ACN for the third term.
“In line with Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, many of my constituents and I resolved not to be part of the subsequent merger that was negotiated between the leadership of the defunct ACN and some other political parties which led to the eventual registration of the APC.
“I, however, thank the leadership of the defunct ACN for giving me the opportunity to serve on its platform”, he said.
Akinlade is believed to be eyeing the Ogun governorship seat in the 2015 general elections.
This are Political prostitution.