Nasarawa Deputy Speaker Switches Allegiance from PDP to Ruling APC
In a significant political development, the Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, has officially abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move comes as political realignments intensify across Nigeria ahead of the anticipated 2027 general elections.
Public Announcement During Governor's Visit
Oyanki, who represents the Doma North Constituency, publicly declared his defection on Wednesday while paying a courtesy and thank-you visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital. The lawmaker's decision to switch parties during this high-profile meeting underscores the strategic timing of his political maneuver.
Although the deputy speaker has already made his intentions known publicly, reports indicate that he is expected to formally notify the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly through an official letter when legislative activities resume next week following the current recess period.
Formal Notification and Reasoning Expected
Sources familiar with the situation suggest that Oyanki may outline the specific reasons behind his decision when his formal defection letter is read on the floor of the House of Assembly. This procedural step will provide official documentation of his party switch and potentially reveal the motivations driving this political realignment.
The defection represents a substantial political boost for the APC in Nasarawa State, particularly as political parties across the nation continue to reposition themselves ahead of future electoral contests. This development occurs amidst a broader pattern of cross-carpeting among Nigerian politicians, with numerous lawmakers and political leaders changing party affiliations in recent months.
Broader Context of Political Defections
Political observers have noted an increasing trend of defections across various states, with legislators and political figures switching camps due to internal party crises, strategic calculations, and evolving power dynamics. This phenomenon reflects the fluid nature of Nigerian politics as parties jockey for position ahead of crucial election cycles.
The Nasarawa development follows similar high-profile defections in recent weeks, including the exit of a serving senator from the state who cited personal reasons for leaving the PDP. That senator has been linked with potentially joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) when legislative sessions resume.
National Pattern of Political Realignments
This pattern extends beyond Nasarawa State, with notable defections occurring in other regions. For instance, the Kaduna-South Senator, Sunday Marshall Katung, recently officially defected to the APC, with his letter being read on the Senate floor in December 2025. Additionally, multiple federal representatives from Rivers State have switched parties, citing prolonged internal crises within their former political organizations.
These collective movements highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of Nigeria's political landscape as parties strengthen their positions and politicians seek advantageous alignments ahead of the 2027 electoral contests. The defection of Deputy Speaker Oyanki adds to this national trend while specifically impacting the political calculus within Nasarawa State.
