Defections shake House as Rep members switch parties ahead of 2027 race

A fresh round of political realignments rippled through Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday, as several lawmakers dumped their parties in a move widely seen as early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The developments unfolded during plenary, marking the chamber’s first sitting after the Easter recess, where the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, formally announced a string of defections through letters submitted by affected members.

Responding to growing concerns that the trend could tilt the country toward a one-party state, Kalu dismissed such fears, arguing that the movement of lawmakers across party lines reflects the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy.

“This is to show the country that no party is stifled. People are leaving the majority party for the minority parties and the minority parties for the majority party.

This is the beauty of democracy,” Kalu said.

Among the high-profile defections was Thaddeus Attah, who represents Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos. He announced his exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal instability within his former party.

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In his defection letter, Attah explained that his decision was driven by “the protracted crisis in the leadership of the LP,” which he said has hampered effective representation of his constituents in recent months.

The Peoples Democratic Party bore the brunt of the latest political shake-up, losing five lawmakers in one sweep. Among those who exited the party were Abubakar Abdul from Niger State, who crossed over to the All Progressives Congress, and Yakubu Noma from Kebbi State, who pitched his tent with the ADC. Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, moved to the APC.

In Osun State, the PDP suffered further setbacks as Mudashiru Alani, representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, and Adetunji Olusoji of Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe constituency defected to the Accord Party.

The APC, however, was not spared losses. David Fuoh from Taraba State defected to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair of Kaduna State joined the ADC, underscoring the fluid and unpredictable nature of current political alignments.

The spate of defections highlights a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape, where shifting loyalties often intensify as election cycles draw closer. With less than two years to the next general elections, lawmakers appear to be recalibrating their political strategies in response to internal party crises, electoral considerations, and evolving alliances.

Observers say the ongoing leadership tussles within major parties—particularly the PDP and Labour Party—have further accelerated the trend, as both established and emerging parties scramble to consolidate their ranks ahead of primary elections.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of the late Kano lawmaker, Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.

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