Ahead of the 2027 elections, defections in the House of Representatives are gaining momentum, with six lawmakers switching parties in the latest round.
At the plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday, four Kano State lawmakers, Adamu Wakili, Umar Zakari, Umar Datti, and Abdulhakeem Ado announced their defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a letter read on the floor, Adamu Wakili blamed persistent leadership crises and internal divisions within the NNPP for the decision, noting that the instability made it difficult to remain in the party. The other three lawmakers cited similar issues at both the state and national levels.
In a separate development, Ahmadu Kabiru, who represents Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over irreconcilable differences and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging support for the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Similarly, Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency, confirmed his move from the PDP to the APC, revealing that his defection had already taken effect at the ward level as far back as March 2026.
The latest developments come barely a day after earlier defections, underscoring increasing political uncertainty and shifting alliances in the House.
The APC has further expanded its majority, now controlling 282 seats, while the PDP’s representation has dropped to 30. The ADC is consolidating its position as a growing third force with 24 seats, benefiting from crises within opposition parties. Other parties, including the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, and Social Democratic Party, hold significantly fewer seats, while the NNPP has been reduced to a single seat.
The trend reflects wider political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, driven by internal party conflicts, strategic positioning for re-election, and the advantages of aligning with either the ruling party or more stable alternatives. More defections are expected as the election cycle draws closer.
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