The wave of defections in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections escalated on Wednesday, as six lawmakers dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The latest political realignment came just a day after a similar round of defections, highlighting growing instability and shifting loyalties within the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
At plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, four NNPP lawmakers from Kano State formally announced their exit from the party and their movement to the ADC.
Leading the group, Adamu Wakili, representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, cited deep internal divisions within the NNPP as the reason for his departure.
“Persistent leadership crisis in the NNPP resulting in internal divisions,” Wakili’s letter read, as quoted by the Speaker.
He added that his decision was driven by the need to align with a more stable political platform, declaring his intention to join the ADC.
Also defecting alongside him were Umar Zakari, Umar Datti, and Abdulhakeem Ado, all from Kano State, who similarly blamed prolonged leadership crises at both state and national levels of the NNPP.
In a separate development, Ahmadu Kabiru, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, announced his exit from the PDP and joined the APC, citing what he described as “irreconcilable differences.”
Kabiru said his move was influenced by alignment with the administration’s agenda, pledging support for the Renewed Hope policy direction of President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State, confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC, noting that his political realignment had already been concluded at the ward level months earlier.
With the latest movements, the APC has further strengthened its dominance in the House, now holding 282 seats. The PDP has dropped significantly to 30 seats, while the ADC continues to gain ground with 24 seats.
Other parties are now reduced to smaller blocs: Labour Party holds 10 seats, APGA has five, Accord Party four, while the APP and SDP have two seats each. The NNPP, once considered a rising force, is now left with just one seat.
Analysts say the growing wave of defections reflects the increasing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, as lawmakers seek stronger platforms for re-election and influence.
Internal party crises, leadership disputes, and access to political structure and resources are also driving the realignments, with the ruling APC benefiting most from opposition fragmentation.
The ADC, meanwhile, is emerging as a refuge for lawmakers unwilling to join the ruling party but eager to exit troubled political platforms.
With the election cycle drawing closer, observers expect further defections as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift.
Elijah Adeyemi
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