Five House of Representatives members defect from APC and PDP to NDC and ADC as political realignments intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections
Fresh defections have hit the House of Representatives as five lawmakers on Thursday officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling rising political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The development was announced during plenary in Abuja when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the defection letters of the affected lawmakers on the floor of the House.
Among the defectors is Muhammed El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, who moved from the APC to the NDC.
His defection has drawn attention due to his political background as the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose recent criticism of the ruling party has fuelled speculation about internal divisions within the APC.
Observers see the move as part of broader political recalibrations within the ruling party and opposition blocs ahead of the next election cycle.
Also joining the NDC is Joshua Obika, who represents Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kuje/Kwali Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory.
He moved from the APC, marking yet another shift in his political trajectory since the 2023 elections.
Obika was initially elected under the Labour Party before moving to the APC in 2026, making his latest switch his third political platform change within a few years.
In another development, Abdulhakeem Kamilu, representing Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency of Kano State, defected from the ADC to the NDC, citing internal leadership disputes within his former party.
Kamilu had previously been elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party before his earlier defection to the ADC.
Meanwhile, Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo, both from Kaduna State, left the PDP for the ADC, attributing their decision to ongoing internal crises within the opposition party at both state and national levels.
The latest wave of defections follows reports that 17 lawmakers had recently aligned with the NDC, further strengthening speculation about emerging coalition movements aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Also read: APC South-West Urges Ondo Youths to Get PVCs for 2027 Election
Political analysts say the trend reflects increasing strategic positioning among lawmakers as parties intensify consultations and alliance-building ahead of the next general elections.
