House of Reps Hit by Massive Defections as PDP Loses Five Members

Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed another round of realignments on Tuesday as members of the House of Representatives defected from major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP), in a move linked to internal party crises and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

During plenary after the Easter break, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu formally read out a series of defection letters, confirming shifts involving lawmakers across multiple constituencies. The development saw the PDP lose five members in a single sitting, while other parties also recorded gains and losses.

Kalu, however, dismissed concerns that the growing trend signals a drift toward a one-party state, arguing that the movements reflect constitutional political freedom.

“This is to show the country that no party is stifled. People are leaving the majority party to the minority parties and the minority parties for the majority party. This is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

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One of the notable defections was from Lagos State, where Thaddeus Attah of Eti-Osa Federal Constituency left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his letter, he cited the ongoing leadership crisis within the LP as a key reason for his decision, saying it had hindered effective representation of his constituents.

The PDP recorded the most significant losses in the latest wave. Abubakar Abdul from Niger State defected to the APC, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi State joined the ADC. Another lawmaker from Kebbi State, Ibrahim Mohammed, also moved to the APC.

In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) exited the PDP for the Accord Party, further weakening the party’s presence in the lower chamber.

The APC also suffered setbacks, as David Fuoh from Taraba State defected to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair from Kaduna State joined the ADC, highlighting the two-way nature of political defections in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

The latest realignments have been largely attributed to unresolved leadership disputes within major opposition parties, particularly the PDP and LP, as well as strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained numerical dominance in the House, while opposition parties continue to struggle with internal divisions, prompting frequent defections and coalition discussions.

Political analysts say the growing visibility of smaller parties such as the ADC signals a gradual reshaping of Nigeria’s political space, as lawmakers increasingly explore alternative platforms beyond the traditional APC–PDP rivalry.

The House adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.

House of Reps Hit by Massive Defections as PDP Loses Five Members

APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Form at N100 Million

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its official timetable and schedule of activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, outlining key dates for party primaries and detailing the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for various elective offices.

In a statement issued on Monday night and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, the ruling party confirmed the full breakdown of fees for presidential, governorship, and legislative aspirants.

According to the schedule, the presidential expression of interest form is pegged at N30 million, while the nomination form costs N70 million, bringing the total to N100 million for aspirants seeking the party’s highest ticket.

For the governorship race, aspirants will pay N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for the nomination form. Senate aspirants are required to pay N3 million and N17 million, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million and N9 million respectively.

At the state level, aspirants seeking seats in the State Houses of Assembly will pay N1 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination forms.

The APC also announced concessions for specific categories, stating that female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will pay the full expression of interest fee but only 50 percent of the nomination fee, in a move aimed at promoting inclusion within the party’s internal electoral process.

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Primary election timetable released

The party also confirmed dates for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 polls. According to the timetable:

• Presidential primary: May 15–16
• House of Representatives primary: May 18
• Senate primary: May 20
• State House of Assembly primary: May 21
• Governorship primary: May 23

The schedule signals the formal start of internal political activities within the APC as aspirants begin mobilisation for party tickets ahead of the general elections.

Political implications

Analysts say the release of the timetable marks a major step in Nigeria’s 2027 election cycle, with the APC setting the pace for other political parties to follow.

The cost of nomination forms—particularly the N100 million presidential ticket—is already generating public debate, with concerns around affordability, political inclusion, and youth participation in governance.

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to complete his first term by 2027, the timetable is likely to trigger increased political activity within the ruling party as aspirants begin consultations and alliances.

The APC stated that the structured timetable is designed to ensure a smooth, transparent, and orderly selection process in line with internal party regulations and national electoral expectations.

APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Form at N100 Million

Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open

Former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor, now an APC governorship aspirant, insisted that there has been no official endorsement from the President and no formal declaration of interest from Hamzat regarding the race.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Jandor said the growing narrative that the Lagos governorship race has already been decided in favour of Hamzat is incorrect and misleading.

He stressed that all aspirants are still positioning themselves ahead of the APC primary process, which will determine the party’s eventual candidate.

Jandor also clarified that if there had been any endorsement from President Tinubu, it would have been formally communicated to all aspirants within the party structure.

According to him, no such communication has been made, and the contest remains open.

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He further noted that Deputy Governor Hamzat has not publicly declared interest in the governorship race, describing him as a qualified administrator with extensive experience in governance.

Jandor said discussions within the APC currently point toward the adoption of direct primaries, which would allow party members to vote directly for their preferred candidate.

He emphasized his readiness to abide by whatever process the party eventually adopts, stating that party supremacy remains central to internal politics.

The APC aspirant also revealed that he had met President Tinubu personally, noting that the President neither discouraged his ambition nor promised him any political advantage.

He said the encounter reinforced his confidence to remain in the race for the Lagos governorship seat in 2027.

Jandor further defended his early declaration of interest, saying it reflects self-belief and political determination. He drew comparisons with Tinubu’s own political journey, noting that ambition must be openly declared.

Political activities in Lagos are already intensifying ahead of 2027, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prepares to complete his second term, opening up the race for new contenders.

Other figures reportedly being considered in the APC succession debate include former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, presidential aide Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Minister of Education Tunji Alausa.

Analysts say the Lagos 2027 governorship election is shaping up to be highly competitive within the APC, with early positioning and internal negotiations expected to continue in the coming months.

For now, Jandor maintains that no endorsement has been made and that the final decision will rest on the outcome of the party’s primary election.

Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open