Twelve Nigerian lawmakers defect to APC and ADC, signalling growing political shifts ahead of 2027 general elections
Twelve members of the House of Representatives formally announced their defection from their political parties on Thursday, with indications that five additional lawmakers may soon switch allegiance to either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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Of the 12 lawmakers, six left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, five abandoned the Labour Party and PDP for the ADC, and one moved from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ADC.
The defections have intensified concerns over rising instability within Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers defecting from the PDP to the APC include James Barka, Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, and Zakaria Nyampa of Adamawa State, Kobis Thimnu (Adamawa), Midala Balami (Borno), and Mohammed Bargaja (Sokoto).
Those joining the ADC are Afam Victor Ogene, Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Orogbu from Anambra State, Jessey Onakalusi (Lagos), and Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Edo).
Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, disclosed that some other members had written to the House leadership indicating their intention to leave their current parties.
He did not reveal the destination parties of these lawmakers in their absence.
“Some of the letters cited reasons similar to those previously given by other defectors,” Kalu said, adding that the letters would only be read when the concerned lawmakers are present on the floor of the House.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Garba Inuwa and Abdullahi El-Rasheed from Gombe, Mohammed Audu (Taraba), and Joshua Obika (FCT) formally joined the APC, while Adewale Adebayo (Osun) moved from the PDP to the Accord Party.
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The House of Representatives’ announcement highlights the fluidity of party loyalty in Nigeria and underscores the mounting preparations as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
