Escalating Political Defections in Nigeria’s House of Representatives
The wave of political defections in Nigeria’s House of Representatives intensified on Wednesday, with six members from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pledging their support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This shift further alters the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
This latest development follows a series of similar defections just a day earlier, highlighting an ongoing trend of political realignment among lawmakers in anticipation of the upcoming elections. At a plenary session led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, four legislators from Kano State, previously affiliated with the NNPP, formally announced their transition to the ADC.
The leader of this group, Adamu Wakili, representing the Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, attributed his decision to persistent internal strife within the NNPP, which he claimed had resulted in significant divisions. In a letter presented during the session, Wakili expressed that the “sustained leadership crisis in the NNPP has created a scenario that makes continued membership untenable.” He emphasized the need for aligning with a more inclusive platform, thus notifying the House of his shift to the ADC.
Joining Wakili in the move from the NNPP to the ADC were fellow lawmakers Umar Zakari, Umar Dutti, and Abdulhakim Addo, all citing ongoing leadership struggles both within the party’s state and national ranks as motivating factors in their departure.
In another significant shift, Ahmadu Kabiru, who represents the Gusau/Tusefu Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, resigned from the PDP to join the APC, citing irreconcilable differences with his former party. Kabiru also mentioned his desire to align with the current administration’s Agenda of New Hope as a reason for his decision.
Additionally, Mr. Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency in Imo State, confirmed his transition from the PDP to the APC, noting that he had previously finalized this process at the district level back in March 2026.
The recent defections have bolstered the APC’s majority in the House of Representatives, expanding its control to 282 seats, while the PDP has seen a significant decline, now holding only 30 seats. Meanwhile, the ADC is gaining traction as an emerging political force, now occupying 24 seats, primarily due to defections from lesser opposition parties. Other political parties continue to maintain minimal representation, with the Labour Party holding 10 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance five, and both the Accord Party and the Action People’s Party, along with the Social Democrats, securing two each.
The NNPP, once viewed as a rising political faction, has seen its representation dwindle to a single seat in the House of Representatives. The ongoing defections are perceived as part of a larger strategy in the run-up to the 2027 elections, as lawmakers realign themselves in search of more viable political platforms.
Political analysts attribute this trend to internal crises within opposition parties, including leadership disputes and factionalism, as well as the appeal of aligning with the ruling party or a more stable alternative. Expectations are mounting that more defections may follow in the months leading up to the elections, as political figures continue to recalibrate their strategies in this shifting landscape.
