Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Four members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that further strengthens the governing party’s presence in the National Assembly.

The lawmakers who announced their defection during plenary are Inuwa Garuba, representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also in Gombe State; and Mohammed Audu, representing Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency of Taraba State. The three lawmakers were elected on the platform of the PDP but have now aligned with the APC.

A fourth lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party also joined the APC, citing political realignment and the need to better serve constituents, although details of the defection were still emerging at the time of filing this report.

The defections were formally communicated to the House leadership during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the letters submitted by the affected lawmakers.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited internal crises within their former parties and the need to align politically with developments in their states as key reasons for their decision to move to the APC. They also said joining the ruling party would enable them to attract more federal projects and development initiatives to their constituencies. Political observers note that similar reasons have often been cited by lawmakers who change political parties.

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The defections sparked mixed reactions within the chamber. While APC lawmakers welcomed the new members, some opposition legislators expressed concern over the growing trend of defections in the National Assembly. According to them, frequent cross-carpeting weakens party ideology and undermines the mandate given to political parties by voters during elections. However, supporters of the defecting lawmakers argued that the Nigerian constitution allows lawmakers to change parties, particularly when there are divisions or crises within their original platforms.

The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that have taken place within the National Assembly since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in 2023. The APC, which controls the executive arm of government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to attract lawmakers from opposition parties. In recent weeks, some senators elected on the PDP platform also defected to the APC, reflecting shifting political alliances ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say the development could further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the National Assembly, making it easier for the ruling party to pass government-backed legislation. However, critics warn that the weakening of opposition parties may reduce the level of debate and oversight expected in a vibrant democratic system. With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the next electoral cycle, observers believe more defections could occur as politicians reposition themselves within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers—Amos Yohanna, Aminu Abbas, and Ikra Bilbis—formally declared their exit from the opposition party during plenary at the Nigerian Senate.

Yohanna represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, Abbas represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District, while Bilbis represents Zamfara North Senatorial District.

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Their defection letters were read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate leadership, informing lawmakers of their decision to join the APC.

Although detailed reasons for the defections were not immediately made public, such political movements in Nigeria are often attributed to internal disputes within parties, political realignments, or strategic positioning ahead of future electoral contests.

The development is expected to further consolidate the numerical strength of the APC in the Senate, where the ruling party already holds a majority.

Observers say the move could also have implications for the political landscape in Adamawa and Zamfara states, where party loyalties and alignments continue to evolve ahead of the next election cycle.

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification

Fresh tension has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State after former national secretary and senator Iyiola Omisore filed a lawsuit challenging his disqualification from the party’s governorship primary ahead of the August 15, 2026 election. The legal action has reignited debates about internal party democracy and unity within the APC in the state.

Omisore filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, seeking a judicial review of the circumstances surrounding his disqualification. The case, listed as FHC/OS/CS/261/2025, directly challenges the decision of the APC Screening Committee, which barred him and six other aspirants from contesting the primary held on December 13, 2025. (osundefender.com)

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Party insiders say the disqualification created dissatisfaction among several APC members, with critics arguing that the process lacked transparency and was politically motivated to favor the consensus candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Omisore has maintained that the screening was flawed, and the decision undermines internal party fairness. (politicsnigeria.com)

The lawsuit has deepened divisions within the Osun APC, raising concerns that unresolved grievances could weaken party cohesion ahead of the governorship campaign. Analysts suggest that the legal challenge could significantly influence the party’s political dynamics and its preparedness for the election. (thisdaylive.com)

In an effort to maintain unity, a delegation of party elders recently visited Omisore at his residence in Ile-Ife, urging him to reconsider his stance and support the party’s governorship candidate. The reconciliation efforts reportedly involve Adegboyega Oyetola, former governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, a key figure in the state APC. (thisdaylive.com)

Despite mediation efforts, the dispute is expected to continue unless an out-of-court settlement is reached. Observers say the case will test the APC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms and could shape the party’s electoral strategy and image in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election. (politicsnigeria.com)

Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification