Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Mr. Jerry Manwe, made a dramatic defection to the Social Democratic Party on Tuesday.

Manwe announced his defection on the floor of the House soon after lawmakers reconvened in Abuja from the Christmas and New Year break.

His PDP colleagues were taken unawares by the development, as Manwe had been a very staunch supporter and defender of the PDP over the years.

As he spoke, many members expressed surprise, but hailed his decision all the same.

Manwe blamed his decision on alleged manipulation of the last primaries of the PDP in his home state of Taraba, saying that at a point, the elections were taken to Abuja.

“I am now a member of the SDP, not PDP anymore.

“This is my new party and I have no regrets,” he said, as the lawmaker smiled in response to applauses he received from the floor.

Tuesday recorded more defections to the SDP, as Mr. Ibrahim Olaifa, an Accord Party member from Oyo State and Mr. Kayode Busari, also a member of Accord from Oyo State, joined the party.

The All Progressives Congress also gained one member from Niger State, Mr. Ibrahim Ebo, who defected from the PDP.

But, another APC member from Imo State, Mr. Eddie Mbadiwe, left the party to join PDP on Tuesday.

With Tuesday’s defections, the SDP had suddenly risen in numerical strength from zero to about nine members.

However, PDP still controls the majority with about 190 members, followed by the APC, which has a numerical figure of around 154.

Labour Party‎ has about three members, while Accord and the All Progressives Grand Alliance each controls have lawmakers.