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By Tracy Moses
The wave of defections in the House of Representatives intensified on Wednesday as six lawmakers from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further altering the political balance in the lower chamber.
The latest development comes barely 24 hours after a similar round of defections was recorded at the resumption of plenary, highlighting growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, four lawmakers from Kano State elected on the platform of the NNPP formally announced their defection to the ADC.
Leading the group, the member representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, Adamu Wakili, attributed his decision to persistent internal crises within the NNPP, which he said had led to deep divisions in the party.
According to a letter read on the floor by the Speaker, Wakili said the “persistent leadership crisis in the NNPP resulting in internal divisions” made his continued stay in the party untenable.
“I find it imperative to align with a platform that guarantees inclusion, and I hereby notify the House of my intention to join the African Democratic Congress,” the letter stated.
Also defecting from the NNPP to the ADC were Umar Zakari, Umar Datti, and Abdulhakeem Ado, all from Kano State. The lawmakers cited protracted leadership challenges at both the state and national levels of the party as reasons for their exit.
In a related development, the member representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Ahmadu Kabiru, resigned from the PDP and joined the APC, citing irreconcilable differences within his former party.
Kabiru said his decision was also informed by his desire to align with the policies of the current administration, particularly the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President.
Similarly, Chinedu Martins, who represents Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State, confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC. He disclosed that he had earlier completed the process at the ward level in March 2026.
With the latest defections, the APC has further strengthened its majority in the House, now controlling 282 seats. The PDP trails with 30 members, reflecting a significant decline in its numerical strength.
The ADC, on its part, has continued to gain traction as an emerging third force, now holding 24 seats, largely boosted by defections from smaller opposition parties. Other parties maintain marginal presence in the chamber, with the Labour Party holding 10 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance five, Accord Party four, while the Action Peoples Party and the Social Democratic Party have two seats each.
The NNPP, once considered a rising political platform, has been reduced to a single seat in the House.
The ongoing defections are widely seen as part of broader political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, as lawmakers reposition themselves in search of more viable platforms.
Analysts attribute the trend to internal crises within opposition parties, including leadership tussles and factional disputes, as well as the perceived advantages of aligning with either the ruling party or more stable alternatives.
With the election cycle drawing closer, indications suggest that the House may witness further defections in the coming months as political actors continue to recalibrate their strategies.