Thirty members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives defect across APC, PDP, LP, and ADC, signaling major political realignments ahead of future elections
Political realignments in Nigeria’s House of Representatives intensified yesterday as 30 lawmakers switched political parties, further reshaping the balance of power within the 10th Assembly.
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The development marked a significant shift, with the All Progressives Congress recording its first set of defections since the inauguration of the current Assembly.
Among those who left the APC was Deputy House spokesperson Philip Agbese, who moved to the Labour Party.
Another APC member, Mustapha Abdullahi from Kaduna State, defected to the African Democratic Congress.
The ADC emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the wave of defections, attracting several lawmakers from different parties.
Notably, Minority Leader George Ozodinobi, alongside Harris Okonkwo and Seyi Sowunmi, all moved from the Labour Party to the ADC.
Additionally, several members from the People’s Democratic Party also joined the ADC, including Yaya Bauchi Tongo, Mani Maishinko Katami, Abdussamad Dasuki, Umar Yusuf Yabo, and Bashir Gorau, bringing the ADC’s total gains to 10 new members.
In contrast, the APC also strengthened its numbers with a significant influx of lawmakers from the NNPP.
Nine members of the House from Kano State, including Ghali Mustapha, Shehu Bello, Dankawu Idris, Hussain Hassan Shehu, Rabiu Yusuf, Garba Chiroma, Ibrahim Mohammed, Tijjani Jobe, and Aliu Madaki, defected to the ruling party.
This group represents a notable consolidation of APC influence in Kano State.
Other defections were recorded across different states and parties.
In Osun State, Akanni Ademola and Oladebo Lanre Olomololaye moved from the PDP to the Accord Party.
In Taraba State, Jaafaru Yakubu and Sadiq Abbas Tafida left the PDP for the APC.
Similarly, in Imo State, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and Nwogu Mathew joined the Action Peoples Party.
Further defections included Bello Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Mohammed in Kebbi State, and Mohammed Bassi in Adamawa State, all of whom left the PDP for the APC.
The widespread movement of lawmakers across party lines underscores the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, where alliances continue to shift ahead of future electoral contests.
Analysts suggest that these defections could influence legislative dynamics, party strength, and strategic positioning as political actors prepare for upcoming elections.
Also read: House of Representatives Member Philip Agbese Defects from APC in Dramatic Move
With parties actively recalibrating their structures, the House of Representatives is witnessing one of the most significant realignments in recent times, reflecting broader national trends in political competition and party loyalty.
