2027: Mass Defections Hit PDP and NNPP as Lawmakers Join APC, ADC

House of Reps

2027: Mass Defections Hit PDP and NNPP as Lawmakers Join APC, ADC

The wave of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections has intensified in the House of Representatives, as six lawmakers elected on the platforms of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Peoples Democratic Party officially dumped their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.

The latest realignment, announced during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, comes less than 24 hours after a similar political shift in the chamber, underscoring rising instability and shifting loyalties within Nigeria’s lower legislative house.

NNPP Lawmakers Dump Party for ADC

Four lawmakers from Kano State elected on the NNPP platform announced their defection to the ADC, citing internal leadership disputes and prolonged factional crises within the party.

Leading the group, Adamu Wakili, representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, said his decision was driven by “persistent leadership crisis in the NNPP resulting in internal divisions,” adding that he needed a platform that guarantees inclusion and stability.

Other defectors include Umar Zakari, Umar Datti, and Abdulhakeem Ado, all from Kano State. The lawmakers said unresolved disputes at both state and national levels of the NNPP had made their continued membership untenable.

Their move further boosts the ADC’s growing presence in the National Assembly, especially as the party continues to absorb dissatisfied politicians from smaller opposition blocs.

PDP Loses Lawmakers to APC

In a separate development, two lawmakers elected on the PDP platform also announced their exit.

Ahmadu Kabiru, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, defected from the PDP to the APC, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party. He said his decision was also influenced by his support for the federal government’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency in Imo State, confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC, stating that his alignment with the ruling party had been in place at the ward level since March 2026.

APC Strengthens Dominance in House of Reps

With the latest defections, the APC has further consolidated its dominance in the House of Representatives, increasing its numerical strength to about 282 seats.

The PDP has now been reduced to about 30 seats, reflecting a sharp decline in its parliamentary influence.

The ADC has emerged as a fast-growing third force with 24 seats, largely benefiting from defections by disaffected opposition lawmakers. Other parties in the chamber include the Labour Party with 10 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with five, Accord Party with four, and both the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) holding two seats each. The NNPP is now left with only one seat.

Political Implications for 2027 Elections

Political analysts say the ongoing defections reflect broader 2027 election realignments in Nigeria, driven by internal crises in opposition parties, leadership disputes, and strategic positioning ahead of the next general elections.

The APC’s continued control of federal power has made it an attractive destination for lawmakers seeking political stability and re-election support, while the ADC is increasingly becoming a refuge for opposition politicians unwilling to join the ruling party but eager to exit troubled platforms.

Observers warn that if the trend continues, opposition parties may struggle to mount a coordinated challenge in 2027, especially if internal disputes remain unresolved.

As the election cycle draws closer, more defections are expected, further reshaping the balance of power in Nigeria’s National Assembly.