2027: Defections rock Reps as APC, ADC record gains

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

A new wave of defections swept across the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with several lawmakers switching party allegiance in what is seen as political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided, read multiple defection letters on the floor of the House, highlighting increasing shifts within Nigeria’s political landscape. He dismissed fears that the trend points toward a one-party system, describing it instead as a reflection of democratic freedom.

According to Kalu, the cross-carpeting cuts across both majority and minority parties, underscoring the flexibility of Nigeria’s multiparty system.

One of the prominent defections came from Lagos, where Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his letter, Attah cited the lingering leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which he said has affected his ability to serve his constituents effectively.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered the heaviest losses in the latest round, with five members exiting its ranks. Abubakar Abdul from Niger State defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yakubu Noma from Kebbi joined the ADC, while Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, moved to the APC.

In Osun State, two PDP lawmakers—Mudashiru Alani, representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, and Adetunji Olusoji of Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe—defected to the Accord Party.

Despite making gains, the APC also recorded setbacks. David Fuoh from Taraba State defected to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair of Kaduna State joined the ADC, reflecting ongoing two-way realignments within the legislature.

Party defections have long been a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political system, particularly as election seasons approach. With less than two years to the 2027 polls, lawmakers appear to be recalibrating their political alignments amid internal party disputes, electoral prospects, and shifting alliances.

The current trend is largely driven by unresolved leadership tussles within key parties, especially the PDP and Labour Party, alongside intensified efforts by both major and emerging parties to consolidate their ranks ahead of party primaries.

For many legislators, decisions on party affiliation are often influenced by re-election considerations, access to party structures, and alignment with dominant political forces at both state and national levels.

Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has retained majority control in the House. However, opposition parties continue to reposition through strategic defections and alliances. Notably, the ADC’s growing profile in recent defections signals a gradual broadening of Nigeria’s political space beyond the traditional dominance of the APC and PDP.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.

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