Wave of Defections Hits House of Representatives as Lawmakers Reposition for 2027 Elections

Fresh political realignments have swept through Nigeria’s House of Representatives, with several lawmakers switching parties in a move widely seen as early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The changes were formally announced during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read out letters of defection from multiple members following the chamber’s resumption from the Easter recess.

Rather than signalling instability, Kalu argued the trend reflects the flexibility of Nigeria’s political system. He insisted that lawmakers moving across party lines demonstrate democratic freedom rather than a drift toward a one-party state.

One of the most notable moves came from Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos, who dumped the Labour Party Nigeria for the African Democratic Congress. He cited unresolved leadership disputes within his former party as a key factor affecting his legislative effectiveness.

The Peoples Democratic Party recorded the biggest losses, with five lawmakers exiting its ranks. Among them, Abubakar Abdul defected to the All Progressives Congress, while Yakubu Noma moved to the ADC. Another Kebbi representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, also joined the APC.

In Osun State, two lawmakers—Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji—left the PDP for the Accord Party Nigeria, further weakening the opposition’s numbers in the lower chamber.

The ruling APC was not spared either. David Fuoh from Taraba switched to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair from Kaduna defected to the ADC, underscoring the fluid nature of party loyalty in Nigeria’s legislature.

Such movements are not unusual, especially as election cycles approach. With less than two years to the next general elections, lawmakers are recalibrating their political alignments based on internal party crises, strategic calculations, and grassroots support dynamics.

Leadership disputes within major parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, have accelerated the latest wave of defections, while smaller platforms like the ADC are beginning to attract increased attention from politicians seeking alternative routes to power.

Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained majority control, but shifting alliances suggest that political calculations are already intensifying ahead of party primaries.

Analysts expect more defections in the coming months as politicians test their influence and secure favourable positions within emerging political blocs.

The session concluded on a sombre note, as the House adjourned in honour of late Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.