A new wave of political realignment hit the Nigerian House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers crossed party lines. The defections signal early positioning for the 2027 general elections.
The development came during plenary resumption after the Easter break in Abuja. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided and read several defection letters on the floor of the House.
The letters showed movement across major parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and other parties.
Kalu said the trend reflects freedom within Nigeria’s multiparty system and dismissed concerns about dominance by a single party.
“This is to show the country that no party is stiffled. People are leaving the majority party to the minority parties and the minority parties to the majority party. This is the beauty of democracy,” he said.
The defections come as lawmakers reassess political loyalty ahead of party primaries and shifting alliances linked to 2027 electoral calculations.
Labour Party, PDP and APC Face Fresh Political Shifts
One of the most visible movements came from Lagos State. Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress.
In his letter, Attah linked his exit to internal leadership problems within the Labour Party.
He said “the protracted crisis in the leadership of the LP” had weakened his ability to represent his constituents effectively.
The Peoples Democratic Party recorded the heaviest losses in this round. Five lawmakers exited the party across different states.
Abubakar Abdul of Niger State joined the APC. Yakubu Noma of Kebbi moved to the ADC, while Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, defected to the APC.
In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji left the PDP for the Accord Party, further weakening the party’s representation in the South-West.
The All Progressives Congress also lost members despite gaining others. David Fuoh of Taraba moved to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair of Kaduna joined the ADC.
2027 Elections Drive Political Realignments in Nigeria
The current defections reflect long-standing patterns in Nigeria’s legislature, especially as election seasons approach. Lawmakers often reposition based on electoral prospects and internal party stability.
Party disputes in the PDP and Labour Party have played a major role in the latest movements. Smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress are also gaining visibility through new entrants.
Since 2023, the APC has maintained numerical strength in the House of Representatives. However, opposition parties continue to rebuild through defections and coalitions.
For many lawmakers, party choice is shaped by access to party structures, re-election chances, and regional political influence.
The House also paid tribute to late Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026. Plenary was adjourned in his honour.
As Nigeria gets closer to 2027, more defections should be expected as parties finalise internal leadership arrangements and candidates test political strength.
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