Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC

Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC

Twelve members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have officially defected from their former parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a development that could reshape the balance of power in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who disclosed that six lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had defected to the APC, while six others from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Labour Party (LP) switched allegiance to the ADC. The lawmakers’ letters of defection were formally read on the floor of the House, completing the legal process for their new party alignment.

The six PDP members joining the APC include Bitrus Kwamoti, Zakaria Nyampa, James Barka, Kobis Thinmu, Mohammed Bargaja, and Midala Balami, representing constituencies across Adamawa, Sokoto, and Borno States. Those who moved to the ADC from LP and YPP include Afam Ogene, Lilian Orogbu, Peter Aniekwe, Jessy Onuakalusi, Osaro Omoruyi, and Peter Uzokwe from Anambra, Lagos, and Edo States.

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This latest wave of defections follows similar movements in the Senate, where three members left the PDP for the APC. The senators include Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara Central), Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central), and Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North). Their defection was formally announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Political analysts describe these defections as part of a broader realignment in Nigeria’s legislature, with lawmakers seeking stable platforms and greater political influence ahead of the next general elections. Observers say the shift strengthens the ruling APC’s numerical advantage in the House of Representatives, while the ADC benefits by increasing its presence and visibility on the national stage.

Party leaders from both APC and ADC have welcomed the new members, pledging collaboration, unity, and commitment to national development. Meanwhile, the departures from PDP, LP, and YPP highlight ongoing challenges within opposition parties as they strive to retain cohesion and retain political influence amid a competitive election cycle.

The defections are expected to have significant implications for legislative proceedings, including the passage of key bills and alignment on national policies, further cementing the importance of party loyalty and political strategy in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC