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.

READ ALSO:

• Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Dispute
• Tinubu Approves Fresh Education Appointments
• NAFDAC Launches Special Task Force in Kano to Combat Fake Drugs

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.

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

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Dispute

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in a high-stakes appeal filed by David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party, deepening uncertainty over the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

Justice Lawal Garba, who led a five-member panel, announced that judgment would be delivered on a later date after lawyers for all parties adopted their final written addresses for and against the appeal.

At the centre of the dispute is Mark’s request for the apex court to stay the execution of a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his earlier appeal over the leadership tussle.

The appellate court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, upheld a preliminary objection raised by Bala, ruling that Mark’s appeal was incompetent as it introduced issues not contained in the original decision of the trial court.

The legal battle traces back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declined to grant injunctive reliefs sought in an ex-parte application filed by Bala—effectively setting the stage for the protracted litigation.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Approves Fresh Education Appointments
• NAFDAC Launches Special Task Force in Kano to Combat Fake Drugs
• Iran Signals Reluctance for Talks Despite Ceasefire Extension With US

The leadership crisis, which began as an internal transition dispute within the ADC in mid-2025, has since escalated into a full-blown legal confrontation involving multiple court rulings and regulatory intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a significant development, INEC on April 1 withdrew recognition from both the Mark-led and Bala-led factions, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo ante bellum. The electoral body stated it would not engage with any faction until a final judicial pronouncement is made, effectively leaving the party without a recognised national leadership.

This development has raised serious concerns about the ADC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, as political parties are required to maintain recognised leadership structures to participate in electoral processes, including candidate nominations and congresses.

The Mark-led faction continues to defend its legitimacy, arguing that it emerged through due process based on decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The group cites the July 29, 2025 ratification of a caretaker leadership and provisions within the party’s constitution—particularly Articles 13, 17(3), and 17(4)—which it says empower the NEC to administer the party and fill leadership vacancies when necessary.

It also maintains that eligibility requirements, including the two-year membership rule under Article 9(4), were lawfully waived through NEC resolutions to support coalition-building efforts ahead of the political cycle.

Additionally, the faction points to its earlier recognition by INEC in September 2025, as well as its conduct of congresses and a national convention held on April 14, as evidence of its legitimacy.

On the other hand, Bala’s camp insists that the processes leading to Mark’s emergence violated party rules and legal procedures, arguing that the courts have already affirmed the invalidity of the claims.

Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling will be decisive, not only in determining the authentic leadership of the ADC but also in clarifying the limits of internal party powers versus judicial oversight in political party disputes in Nigeria.

With judgment now reserved, both factions—and the wider political community—await a verdict that could redefine the future of the ADC and its role as a potential opposition platform in the lead-up to 2027.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Dispute

Kano Governor Nominates Murtala Sule Garo as New Deputy Governor 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded the name of Murtala Sule Garo to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, following the resignation of his predecessor.

The nomination was confirmed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, who said the decision was made in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to appoint a replacement when the office of deputy governor becomes vacant.

The vacancy arose after the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo on March 27, 2026, creating a constitutional obligation for the governor to nominate a successor for legislative approval.

Governor cites consultations and need for stability

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf said the nomination followed wide consultations with key stakeholders across Kano State. He urged the State Assembly to expedite the screening and confirmation process to ensure continuity in governance and strengthen administrative stability.

READ ALSO:

• Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer
• Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Breaches as US–Iran Peace Talks Collapse
• Nigeria Records New COVID-19 Case in Cross River

The governor also described the move as part of efforts to reinforce the leadership structure of the state government and improve coordination in the execution of policies and development programmes under his administration.

Profile of Murtala Sule Garo

Murtala Sule Garo, aged 48, is a seasoned politician and administrator with extensive experience in governance and public service in Kano State. Over the years, he has held several strategic positions, including State Organising Secretary of his political party, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State chapter, and later as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, where he played a key role in grassroots administration and local governance reforms.

Politically, Garo was also the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, making him a familiar figure in Kano’s political landscape.

Assembly screening and next steps

The nomination now awaits screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly, which is expected to assess the nominee’s credentials and suitability in accordance with constitutional provisions.

If confirmed, Garo will officially assume office as Deputy Governor of Kano State, becoming the second-highest executive officer in the state government.

Political significance of the nomination

Analysts say the nomination is a strategic move aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring continuity in leadership following the resignation of the former deputy governor. It is also expected to help stabilize the political structure within the state administration.

Observers note that the deputy governor’s role is crucial in supporting executive decision-making, coordinating government activities, and ensuring smooth governance delivery across ministries and agencies.

For now, attention remains focused on the Kano State House of Assembly as stakeholders await the outcome of the confirmation process.

Kano Governor Nominates Murtala Sule Garo as New Deputy Governor