A fresh wave of party defections has swept through Nigeria’s House of Representatives, with multiple lawmakers switching allegiances in what analysts describe as strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The changes were announced during plenary on Tuesday, following the Easter recess, as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read out letters confirming the shifts. Kalu emphasized that these moves reflect democratic freedom rather than a move toward a one-party system, stating, “This is to show the country that no party is stifled. People are leaving the majority party to the minority parties and the minority parties to the majority party. This is the beauty of democracy.”
One of the most notable defections came from Lagos, where Eti-Osa lawmaker Thaddeus Attah left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress. Attah cited “the protracted crisis in the leadership of the LP” as the primary reason, explaining that the internal turmoil had hindered his ability to serve his constituents effectively. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered the most losses, with five members defecting. Among them, Niger’s Abubakar Abdul moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi joined the ADC. Another Kebbi representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, also defected to the APC.
In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) left the PDP for the Accord Party. The APC was not immune to defections either, as Taraba’s David Fuoh switched to the PDP, and Bashir Zubair from Kaduna joined the ADC. These movements underscore the fluid nature of party loyalty in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the 2027 elections approach. With less than two years to go, lawmakers are increasingly making decisions based on internal party conflicts, electoral prospects, and regional dynamics.
Leadership disputes within the PDP and Labour Party have intensified in recent months, contributing to the surge in defections. Many lawmakers view party alignment as a strategic tool to enhance their chances of re-election, gain influence within party structures, or strengthen ties with powerful political blocs. Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained its majority in the House, while opposition parties continue to build strength through alliances and defections. The rising popularity of smaller parties like the ADC signals a potential shift away from the long-standing dominance of the APC and PDP.
Observers anticipate that defections will continue to rise as parties finalize internal arrangements and aspirants begin testing their support base ahead of primaries. Tuesday’s developments reinforce a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s legislature: party loyalty is often flexible, especially when election stakes are high. The House later adjourned its sitting to Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66. As political realignments continue, the 2027 elections are likely to be shaped by these shifting loyalties and evolving party dynamics.
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