JUST IN: Eight reps dump parties for ADC, APC, Accord, PDP

A fresh wave of defections has hit the House of Representatives, with several lawmakers switching allegiances across major political parties.

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house, announced the defections during plenary as the Green Chamber resumed from its Easter break.

Among the prominent defectors is Thaddeus Atta, a Lagos lawmaker, who moved from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In his letter, Atta cited persistent internal divisions within the LP, saying the crisis had made it increasingly difficult for him to effectively represent his constituents.

Similarly, Basiru Usman from Sokoto State defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC.

Several lawmakers who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attributed their decisions to what they described as “irreconcilable differences” within the party, noting they had consulted widely before defecting.

Those include Abubakar Buba from Niger State, who moved to the APC; Sani Noma from Kebbi State, who joined the ADC; and Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, who defected to the APC.

In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Olusoji Adetunji left the PDP for the Accord Party, further reflecting divisions within opposition ranks.

In a reverse move, David Abel from Taraba State defected from the APC to the PDP.

Tuesday’s developments add to a growing trend of political realignments in the lower chamber as lawmakers reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On March 31, at least 26 lawmakers defected across parties including the APC, PDP, LP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), with many settling in the APC and ADC.