“Political Shakeup: Five Reps Shift from PDP and Two from APC as New Defections Rock the House”

A fresh wave of departures rattled the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with legislators shifting allegiance in what many interpret as preliminary moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

When the plenary convened after the Easter break, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu revealed numerous departures through letters announced on the floor, indicating escalating political rearrangements among parties.

He trivialized concerns that the trend indicates a transition toward a single-party system, asserting instead that it signifies democratic selection.

“This is to illustrate to the nation that no party is constrained. Individuals are departing from the majority party to the minority parties and vice versa. This is the essence of democracy,” Kalu stated.

A notable defection originated from Lagos, where Eti-Osa legislator Thaddeus Attah transitioned from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress.

He attributed his decision to “the prolonged turmoil in the leadership of the LP,” emphasizing that it had hindered his capacity to assist his constituents effectively.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, experienced the most significant losses, with five members departing its ranks.

Among them, Niger legislator Abubakar Abdul shifted to the All Progressives Congress, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi joined the ADC. Additionally, another Kebbi representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, also transitioned to the APC.

In Osun, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) departed the PDP for the Accord Party.

The APC also experienced a loss of two members, as Taraba’s David Fuoh transitioned to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair from Kaduna defected to the ADC, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of the political dynamics.

Party switches are prevalent in Nigeria, particularly as elections approach. With under two years remaining until the 2027 polls, lawmakers are modifying their party affiliations based on internal party disputes, electoral strategy, and regional considerations.

Persistent leadership conflicts especially within the PDP and Labour Party have fueled the latest transitions, as parties readjust ahead of primary elections.

For numerous lawmakers, choices regarding party allegiance frequently depend on re-election prospects, sway within party frameworks, and ties to crucial political factions.

Since the establishment of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained majority control in the House, while opposition parties continue to seek reinforcement through collaborations and defections.

The increasing allure of smaller parties like the ADC suggests a gradual departure from the entrenched supremacy of the APC and PDP.

Observers anticipate that defections may escalate in the upcoming months as political entities complete their internal arrangements and aspirants commence gauging their support bases prior to primaries.

Tuesday’s events once again emphasize a persistent trend within Nigeria’s legislature; party loyalty remains adaptable, especially when electoral stakes are elevated.

The House subsequently adjourned to Wednesday in tribute to Kano legislator Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.