In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, the lawmaker representing the Dukku/Nafada federal constituency of Gombe State, has officially defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and was first reported by The Cable. El-Rasheed's departure adds to a growing list of defections that have characterized legislative politics in recent months, as politicians reposition themselves for the next electoral cycle.
According to Premium Times, El-Rasheed's decision to join the ADC is seen as a strategic move to align with a new political platform. The lawmaker's exit from the APC underscores the fluidity of party affiliations in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
El-Rasheed's defection has drawn attention from political analysts who note that such moves often reflect broader realignments within Nigeria's political landscape. The ADC, though a smaller party compared to the APC, has been gaining traction in some regions as an alternative platform for politicians seeking new opportunities.
The development is expected to have implications for the APC's strength in Gombe State, particularly in the Dukku/Nafada constituency. As the 2027 elections draw closer, more defections may occur as politicians jockey for positions and alliances.
