Nigerian lawmakers defections 2027 surge as MPs switch parties in House of Representatives ahead of upcoming general elections
A wave of defections swept through the House of Representatives on Tuesday as several Nigerian lawmakers formally switched party affiliations during plenary, signalling intensifying political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced the defections after reading out official letters from the affected lawmakers on the floor of the House, in what has become one of the most significant reshuffles within the chamber in recent months.
Party defections among Nigerian lawmakers ahead of 2027 polls developments were largely attributed to internal party disputes, strategic positioning, and growing political uncertainty across major parties.
Benjamin Kalu, while addressing concerns over the implications of the defections, dismissed suggestions that the trend points to a drift towards a one-party system.
“This is to show the country that no party is stifled. 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.
One of the notable defections came from Lagos State, where Thaddeus Attah of Eti-Osa constituency left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, citing internal crisis within the party leadership as a key reason for his decision.
The Peoples Democratic Party recorded the highest losses, with five lawmakers exiting its ranks.
Among them, Abubakar Abdul from Niger State defected to the All Progressives Congress, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi joined the African Democratic Congress.
Further defections saw two Osun lawmakers leave the PDP for the Accord Party, while the APC also recorded losses, with members crossing over to both the PDP and ADC.
Political observers say the increasing frequency of defections reflects deeper structural tensions within major parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, as lawmakers position themselves ahead of party primaries.
Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the All Progressives Congress has maintained majority control in the House, although opposition parties continue to regroup through alliances and defections.
Analysts also note the rising appeal of smaller parties such as the ADC, which appears to be gaining traction as lawmakers seek alternative platforms ahead of the next election cycle.
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The House of Representatives later adjourned sitting in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
