ABUJA — The political landscape in the House of Representatives shifted dramatically on Tuesday as at least eight lawmakers formally announced their exit from the country’s major political parties. In a wave of defections that caught many by surprise, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) cited internal crises and “irreconcilable differences” for their departures.
The letters of defection were read on the floor of the House by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu as the chamber resumed plenary following the Easter recess.
The Great Realignment
The defections represent a significant blow to the opposition, particularly the PDP and the Labour Party, both of which have been battling leadership tussles for months. While some lawmakers moved toward the ruling APC, a notable number opted for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further cementing that party’s growing status as the new “third force” in Nigerian politics.
Among the high-profile exits was Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos), a prominent member of the Labour Party, who moved to the ADC. From the PDP, Abubakar Abdul Buba (Niger) and Ibrahim Mohammed Bunza (Kebbi) shifted their loyalty to the ruling APC, while Sani Yakubu Noma (Kebbi) joined the ADC.
The APC also suffered losses, with Bashir Usman Zubairu (Kaduna) defecting to the ADC and David Abel Fouh (Taraba) moving to the PDP. In the Southwest, Osun State lawmakers Mudashiru Alani and Olusoji Adetunji both dumped the PDP for the Accord Party.
Crises and Calculations
The lawmakers’ reasons for defecting followed a familiar pattern. Most cited the “total collapse” of party structures and the inability of their former leaderships to provide a unified direction ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
“The party I am leaving has become a shadow of itself,” one defector’s letter stated. “The constant legal battles and factional disputes have made it impossible to serve the interests of my constituents effectively.”
Political analysts suggest this is only the beginning of a broader realignment. The ADC, in particular, has seen a surge in membership, reportedly gaining over 27 federal lawmakers in recent weeks as it positions itself as the primary vehicle for an opposition coalition.
Reactions from the Floor
The defections were met with cheers from the APC benches, as the ruling party continues to widen its majority in the Green Chamber. However, opposition leaders expressed concern over the “fluidity” of party loyalty, with some calling for stricter enforcement of the constitutional provisions regarding defections.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, however, maintained that the movements were a sign of “vibrant democratic freedom,” insisting that lawmakers have the right to seek platforms that align with their political aspirations.
As the 2027 chessboard begins to take shape, these defections signal a clear warning to the traditional “Big Three” parties: the era of fixed loyalties is over, and the scramble for the soul of the next assembly has officially begun.
