Amos Gwamna Magaji, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing the Java/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Magaji cited ongoing crises within the PDP, spanning from the national to local levels, as his reason for leaving the party.
His defection met with strong opposition from the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who urged the Speaker to declare Magaji’s seat vacant.
Referring to Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, Chinda emphasised that lawmakers should adhere to the law, not violate it. He pointed out that while the law permits members to leave the party under which they were elected, it clearly outlines the repercussions of such actions, which includes the loss of their seat.
Chinda argued that Magaji has failed to meet the legal requirements and should, therefore, lose his position.
Magaji, who chairs the House Committee on Health Care Services, is a seasoned legislator, having served two terms and as the chairman of the Kaduna caucus in the House of Representatives.
He is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Restructuring of Government Agencies and Commissions, which is examining the recommendations of the Stephen Oronsaye report.
Additionally, he has been involved in several House committees, including Defence, Institutional Reforms, Rules & Business, Christian Pilgrimage, Police Affairs, and the F.C.T Area Councils, and he represents Kaduna State on the House Committee on Constitution Review.
Magaji’s defection marks the third time a PDP member has joined the APC since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, following Chris Nkwonta and Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu.
