ABUJA — A fresh wave of defections has swept through the House of Representatives, significantly altering the political balance in the Green Chamber as parties intensify strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, formally announced the notices of defection during Tuesday’s plenary session.
A total of 27 lawmakers changed party affiliations in what observers describe as one of the most notable political shifts in the lower legislative chamber, coming less than a year before Nigerians head to the polls to elect a new set of leaders.
The All Progressives Congress emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the defections, gaining 14 lawmakers. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress recorded a substantial increase in its numbers, welcoming eight members.
Of the lawmakers who joined the ADC, five defected from the People’s Democratic Party, two from the Labour Party, while one lawmaker moved from the APC.
The Action Peoples Party also gained two lawmakers, with one each coming from the PDP and LP. In the same vein, the Accord Party added two new members, both former PDP lawmakers representing constituencies in Osun State.
Most of the lawmakers cited internal crises and unresolved disputes within their former political parties as the reason for their decision to switch allegiance.
Among the prominent defections was that of Aliu Madaki, the Deputy Minority Leader, who moved from the NNPP to the APC, as well as George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip, who left the Labour Party for the ADC.
Other notable movements include Philip Agbese’s defection from the APC to the Labour Party, Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu’s move from the PDP to the APP, and Abdussamad Dasuki’s switch from the PDP to the ADC.
A significant number of the defections into the APC came from Kano State, where several lawmakers formerly elected on the platform of the NNPP crossed over to the ruling party. These include representatives from Dala, Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa/Rimingado, Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya, Fagge, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Sumaila/Takai, Gezawa/Gabasawa, and Gwale federal constituencies.
In Sokoto State, the ADC also strengthened its ranks with defections from Binji/Silame and Yabo/Shagari constituencies, while the party equally gained lawmakers from Anambra State, Lagos State, Gombe State, and Kaduna State.
The latest political movements are expected to shape alliances and influence legislative dynamics as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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House of Representatives Hit by Major Defections as 27 Lawmakers Switch Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections
