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Nigeria: President Jonathan re-election hopes take further hit as 37 MPs defect to opposition
The practical impacts of the power shift in the house were not immediately clear as Nigeria has not had a divided federal government in decades.
Lagos State University professor Dapo Thomas said the developments will hurt the PDPs image as Nigeria’s ruling party. “The defection will shake the root and foundation of the PDP,” the political science lecturer said.
Laja Oduka, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, told reporters that the opposition will use the lower house “to torment the PDP”, including the possibility of moving forward on impeachment hearings.
“We will certainly see a shift in the balance of power,” on the national stage he said.
While Jonathan’s allies still hold 74 seats of 109-member upper house, Thomas said a threat to the PDP majority there could force Jonathan to make major concessions.
In past statements, the PDP has branded supporters who defect as “agents of distraction” and cast doubt on the credibility of the APC.
Source: AFP
