Three PDP Federal Lawmakers Resign and Defect to APC in National Assembly
In a significant political development, three members of the House of Representatives have officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers announced their defection during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, marking a notable shift in the political landscape.
Speaker Announces Defection During Plenary
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, made the announcement during the session, detailing the names and constituencies of the lawmakers involved. This move underscores ongoing realignments within Nigeria's political parties as the National Assembly continues its legislative activities.
Lawmakers and Their Constituencies
The three lawmakers who have defected are:
- Mohammed Audu, representing the Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola federal constituency of Taraba State.
- Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing the Dukku/Nafada federal constituency of Gombe State.
- Inuwa Garuba, representing the Yamaltu/Deba federal constituency of Gombe State.
Their resignation from the PDP and subsequent joining of the APC highlight strategic political maneuvers ahead of future electoral cycles, with implications for party dynamics and representation in the affected regions.
Reasons Behind the Defection
While specific reasons for the defection were not detailed in the initial announcement, such moves often stem from factors such as party alignment, policy disagreements, or strategic positioning for political advancement. The defection of these lawmakers could influence legislative agendas and party strength in the House of Representatives.
This development adds to the ongoing political discourse in Nigeria, reflecting the fluid nature of party affiliations and the competitive environment within the National Assembly. Observers are closely watching for further reactions from both the PDP and APC, as well as potential impacts on governance and legislative processes.
