Twelve House of Representatives Members Defect to APC and ADC in Major Political Shift
In a significant development that underscores the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, twelve members of the House of Representatives have officially announced their defection from their current political parties. This move is widely seen as a precursor to the intense political realignments expected as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Breakdown of Defections to the Ruling APC and ADC
Of the twelve lawmakers involved in this political reshuffle, six have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress. Meanwhile, five legislators have moved from the Labour Party and the PDP to the African Democratic Congress. Additionally, one lawmaker has left the Young Progressives Party to also join the ADC, highlighting a broader trend of cross-party movements.
Lawmakers Defecting from PDP to APC
The lawmakers who have switched from the PDP to the APC include James Barka, Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, Zakaria Nyampa, and Kobis Thimnu, all representing Adamawa State. They are joined by Midala Balami from Borno State and Mohammed Bargaja from Sokoto State, marking a significant boost for the APC in these regions.
Lawmakers Joining the ADC
Those who have defected to the ADC comprise Afam Victor Ogene, Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Orogbu from Anambra State, alongside Jessey Onakalusi from Lagos State and Murphy Osaro Omoruyi from Edo State. This influx of members is expected to strengthen the ADC's presence and influence in the House.
Announcement by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu
The defections were formally announced during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu. In his address, Kalu revealed that five other lawmakers have submitted letters indicating their intention to leave their current parties. However, these letters and the intended destination parties were not disclosed because the lawmakers were absent during the session.
Kalu explained that the reasons cited in these letters mirror those previously given by lawmakers who have already defected. He emphasized that the House will only officially read the letters when the involved lawmakers are present on the floor, ensuring transparency and due process in the proceedings.
Additional Defections During Plenary
During Wednesday's plenary session, several other lawmakers also announced their party switches. Garba Inuwa and Abdullahi El-Rasheed from Gombe State, along with Mohammed Audu from Taraba State and Joshua Obika representing the Federal Capital Territory, all defected to the APC. In a separate move, Adewale Adebayo from Osun State left the PDP to join the Accord Party.
Concerns Over Internal Party Instability
This wave of defections has intensified concerns about internal party instability as Nigeria approaches the next election cycle. Political analysts suggest that these moves could signal deeper fractures within parties and may influence voter alignment and campaign strategies in the run-up to the 2027 polls. The ongoing shifts highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, where allegiances can change rapidly in response to evolving political climates and strategic considerations.
