Massive Defections Shake Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives As 27 lawmakers switch to APC,ADC

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

The wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election continued on Tuesday as 27 members of the House of Representatives switched political platforms, reshaping the balance of power in Nigeria’s lower chamber. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the biggest beneficiary, gaining 14 new lawmakers while losing two, strengthening its dominance in the Green Chamber.

Presiding over Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the defections and expressed regret over the departure of two members to opposition parties. With the new changes, APC’s membership now stands at about 280 out of the 360-member parliament, consolidating its legislative strength.

The Peoples Democratic Party, historically Nigeria’s main opposition party, has seen its numbers dwindle to 38 members, while the African Democratic Congress holds 15 seats. The Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party are left with 12 and five members respectively.

At the inauguration of the 10th House in June 2023, the APC had 181 members, while opposition parties collectively held 179, with the PDP leading with 115 seats. Tuesday’s defections represent a significant reshaping of Nigeria’s political map just four years ahead of the general elections.

Among the notable moves, Benue lawmaker Agbese, representing Ogbadigbo/Okpokun Federal Constituency, left the APC for the Labour Party, citing ongoing political tensions between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Agbese became the first APC elected lawmaker to defect to a minority party. He emphasized that his decision reflected the preference of his constituents, who respect multi-party democracy, and dismissed speculation about a governorship ambition, stating his current focus is on service to the people.

Defectors cited unresolved internal conflicts, party crises, and ideological differences as reasons for switching parties. George Ozodinobi, for instance, said, I am leaving LP due to the crisis in the party. The crisis has affected the collective pursuit of a common agenda, and joining the ADC will enhance my contribution to national development.

These developments come just 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission formally recognized a faction of the PDP aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, highlighting ongoing power struggles within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

As political realignments accelerate ahead of the 2027 general elections, APC appears well-positioned to consolidate its legislative dominance, while opposition parties scramble to stabilize and retain relevance. Analysts predict that these defections will have a significant impact on party strategies and electoral outcomes across the country.