2027: Defections rock Reps as APC, ADC record gains
House of Representatives Sees Party Defections Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja
A significant wave of party defections occurred in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, as multiple lawmakers shifted their political allegiances in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
During the resumption of plenary following the Easter break, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over the session and read several defection letters. He addressed concerns regarding the trend, asserting that it reflects democratic choice rather than a move towards a one-party system.
Kalu noted that the changes are occurring across both majority and minority parties, highlighting the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s multiparty political landscape.
Among the notable defections was Lagos lawmaker Thaddeus Attah, who departed the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Attah cited a persistent leadership crisis within the Labour Party as a factor affecting his capacity to effectively represent his constituents.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) experienced the most significant losses, with five members resigning. Notable departures included Abubakar Abdul from Niger State, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Yakubu Noma, who moved to the ADC from Kebbi. Another Kebbi lawmaker, Ibrahim Mohammed, also defected to the APC. In Osun State, two PDP representatives, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji, transitioned to the Accord Party.
Despite recent gains, the APC faced its own challenges, with David Fuoh from Taraba State joining the PDP, and Bashir Zubair from Kaduna moving to the ADC. This reflects ongoing realignments within the legislative body.
Defections are a common attribute of Nigeria’s political scene, particularly as elections draw near. With less than two years remaining until the 2027 elections, lawmakers are reassessing their political affiliations amid internal party conflicts, electoral aspirations, and the evolving political landscape.
Many legislators’ choices regarding party affiliation are influenced by re-election prospects, access to party resources, and alignment with prevailing political forces at both state and national levels.
Since the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration in 2023, the APC has maintained a majority in the House, although opposition parties are strategically realigning through defections and new alliances. The increasing visibility of the ADC in recent defections indicates a gradual expansion of Nigeria’s political environment, moving beyond the long-standing dominance of the APC and PDP.
The House of Representatives adjourned plenary to Wednesday in tribute to Hassan Danjuma, a lawmaker from Kano who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
