Four members of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the defection notices during plenary yesterday.
Lawmakers Who Switched Parties
The defecting lawmakers are Muhammed Shehu (Zaki Federal Constituency), Aliyu Garu (Bauchi Federal Constituency), Sani Tanko (Shira/Giade Federal Constituency), and Mansur Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency). Additionally, Jeremiah Umaru, representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Wave of Defections in the Green Chamber
These defections add to a growing trend of party switches in the House of Representatives since the start of the year. On Tuesday, eight lawmakers left the PDP for the APM, while three moved from the APC to the PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). On Wednesday, three legislators left the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Court Dismisses Suit Against PRP
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State High Court No. 2 dismissed Suit No. BA/181/2026 filed by Idrees Gambo against the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), awarding costs against the claimant. Justice Kunaza Hamidu ruled that the application could not be sustained due to procedural developments. The court dismissed the suit and awarded N1 million each in favor of the first and second defendants.
The claimant, through counsel Ahmed Adam, had alleged exclusion from the PRP governorship primaries and sought judicial intervention over irregularities in the nomination process. During proceedings, the claimant's counsel indicated an intention to discontinue the suit. However, PRP counsel Muhammad Maidoki opposed the discontinuance, arguing that substantial steps had been taken and issues joined. The court upheld the defendants' position, dismissed the suit, and awarded costs.
Reactions to the Judgment
Senator Shehu Buba's counsel, Jibrin Jibrin, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a relief that restores clarity to the political process and removes litigation uncertainties. He added that the decision allows political activities to continue without disruption. PRP State Chairman Abdulrahman Muazu expressed satisfaction and urged party members to remain calm and united.
