By Christiana Ekpa
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday suffered another blow in the House of Representatives as Aliyu Misau, member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, formally defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Misau’s exit comes just days after four other Bauchi lawmakers elected on the PDP platform also dumped the opposition party for the APM, further weakening the party’s position in the state.
The lawmaker’s defection was conveyed in a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and read on the floor of the House during plenary.
In the letter, Misau attributed his decision to the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, saying the internal turmoil had made it difficult for him to effectively represent his constituents.
“I would like to thank the PDP for the opportunity given to me to serve the good people of Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency. The leadership crisis in the PDP has made it impossible for me to continue to represent my people and contribute to the development of the constituency,” he stated.
The development is widely linked to the ongoing political realignment in Bauchi State following the recent defection of Governor Bala Mohammed from the PDP to the APM. Since the governor’s move, several political appointees, elected officials and party loyalists have either joined the APM or indicated plans to do so.
Political analysts had anticipated that lawmakers aligned with the governor would eventually follow his lead, given his influence over the state’s political structure and the growing uncertainty surrounding the PDP’s internal affairs.
Misau’s departure further reduces the PDP’s strength in the House of Representatives and highlights the mounting challenges confronting the party amid persistent internal divisions and a wave of defections across the country.
For months, the PDP has been embroiled in leadership disputes at both national and state levels, with disagreements over the party’s direction, control of party structures and preparations for future elections deepening tensions among key stakeholders.
The crisis has triggered a steady stream of defections by elected officials and prominent members, raising fresh concerns about the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects ahead of future political contests.
With the latest defection, the APM continues to consolidate its influence in Bauchi State, bolstered by the growing influx of political heavyweights and elected representatives from the PDP.
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