A fresh wave of defections has hit the House of Representatives, with several lawmakers switching political parties in what analysts view as early realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The changes were announced on Tuesday during plenary following the Easter recess, as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read multiple defection letters on the floor of the House.
He dismissed concerns that the trend signals a move toward a one party system, describing it instead as an expression of democratic freedom.
“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,” Kalu said.
One notable defection involved Eti Osa lawmaker Thaddeus Attah, who moved from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress, citing internal leadership crises within his former party.
“The protracted crisis in the leadership of the LP” had hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents, he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party recorded the highest number of defections, losing five members.
Among them, Niger lawmaker Abubakar Abdul defected to the All Progressives Congress, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi joined the African Democratic Congress. Another Kebbi representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, also moved to the APC.
In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani of Ayedire Iwo Ola Oluwa and Adetunji Olusoji of Odo Otin Ifelodun Boripe left the PDP for the Accord Party.
The APC also lost two members, with David Fuoh from Taraba defecting to the PDP and Bashir Zubair from Kaduna moving to the African Democratic Congress.
The developments reflect ongoing political shifts as parties and politicians reposition ahead of the next election cycle.
Defections remain a common feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, often influenced by internal party disputes, electoral calculations and regional dynamics.
Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained majority control in the House, while opposition parties continue to seek strength through alliances and defections.
The House later adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who died on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
