APC Suffers Major Setback as Former House of Assembly Speaker Defects to PDP

• The APC suffered a major setback in Jigawa state after the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Idris Garba Kareka, resigned from the party and joined the PDP
• Kareka announced his official defection from the ruling party at a well-attended political rally, held in his Jahun town on Tuesday, June 2
• The Jigawa-born politician's defection came days after the former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, also resigned from the APC

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost the former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly and serving lawmaker representing the Jahun State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Idris Garba Kareka, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kareka announced his defection on Tuesday, June 2, at a well-attended political rally in his Jahun town, where he formally joined the PDP and declared his intention to seek re-election as the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Jigawa assembly.

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According to The Tribune, the embattled lawmaker and two-term speaker disclosed that he decided to dump the APC in order to protect the interests of his people and promote the development of the Jahun Local Government Area of the state.

The former Speaker accused the ruling APC of imposition, injustice and dictatorship in the party's recent activities, particularly in Jigawa.

He then reiterated his commitment to remaining committed to the development and welfare of the people of Jahun and assured them of quality representation if re-elected.

His defection comes just days after the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, announced his resignation from the ruling APC.

This was disclosed in a letter addressed to the APC chairman at Ward 4 in Onicha Olona, Aniocha local government area of Delta state on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The former speaker said the resignation was with immediate effect.

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Nigerians react as Victor Ochei resigns from APC

The resignation of the former speaker has generated reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:

ViewOnes AndyGold commended the former speaker's move:

"Game over Victor Ochei from the north, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from the Central and another vibrant leader from the South, then it's game over for Gov Sheriff Oborevwori. Inasmuch as I'm a member of APC for now, I can see APC's downfall in Delta state caused by the self-centred politics of Mr President."

Onye Immaculate Odibei welcomed Ochei's decision:

"Victor Ochei Sir, but you know we've (personally craving) been waiting for you to enter the Delta North Senate race. You know your political weight and will to serve abi, and you also know that this is your time/chance abi? NDC oh! Issele-Uku Ward 6 is yours, I'm at your service, Sir."

Franklin Tom-West praised the former speaker:

"You're a mover and good-spirited politician from Delta State. Again, you understand the politics of this country; therefore, join a train that would catapult you to a level you wouldn't stress yourself. Ignore social media noise and join a nationalist party, not a regional party."

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Andy Isioma Ifada reiterated the influence of Peter Obi on the NDC:

"Peter Obi is a man of Grace. Despite the betrayal from those who used him to climb their political ladder through LP, wherever the crowd move. Any politician who leaves the APC now is going to the NDC. That's the new political bride in town."

See Victor Ochei's resignation letter on Facebook here:

Gbajabiamila sends a message to ADC

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, sparked conversation among Nigerians after urging Leke Abejide to remain in the ADC.

Gbajabiamila, while speaking at the lawmaker's wedding anniversary, said the ruling APC was satisfied with Abejide's membership in the ADC and urged him to fight for the party.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives' comment came amid the leadership crisis rocking the ADC between the factions of Nafiu Bala and David Mark.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng