By Tracy Moses
The opposition bloc in the House of Representatives gained further strength on Thursday as more lawmakers defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections, announced during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, involved five members who cited internal party crises, leadership disputes and ideological differences as reasons for their decisions.
The latest movement comes just days after 17 lawmakers crossed over to the NDC, further boosting the opposition’s presence in the lower chamber and signalling what observers describe as an ongoing restructuring of Nigeria’s political landscape.
One of the defectors, Joshua Obika, who represents Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kuje/Kwali Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC. His latest switch marks his third party affiliation in less than two years.
Obika was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party before joining the APC in March 2026, and has now aligned with the emerging opposition coalition under the NDC.
Also joining the NDC was Abdulhakeem Kamilu, who represents Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency of Kano State. He resigned from the ADC, citing internal leadership challenges within the party.
Kamilu was earlier elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023 before moving to the ADC, highlighting the fluid political alignments within the chamber.
In another development, Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo, both from Kaduna State, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC. The lawmakers attributed their decision to the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP at both state and national levels.
The opposition realignment also included the defection of Muhammed El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, from the APC to the NDC.
His move has drawn significant political attention due to his family’s prominence in national politics and the growing tension between his father, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the ruling APC.
Nasir El-Rufai, once a key ally of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, has in recent months become increasingly critical of the APC and the Federal Government, particularly following his failed ministerial nomination.
Analysts say the younger El-Rufai’s defection is likely to intensify political discussions around emerging opposition alliances ahead of 2027.
Thursday’s defections further altered the balance of political forces in the House, strengthening the NDC and ADC as they position themselves as rallying platforms for dissatisfied members of the APC and PDP.
The NDC, in particular, has recently attracted a growing number of lawmakers, fuelling speculation about possible coalition arrangements aimed at challenging the ruling party in the next general elections.
With the latest developments, political realignments in the House of Representatives are expected to continue, as consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations shape the evolving opposition structure ahead of 2027.
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