Fresh political realignments rattled the House of Representatives on Tuesday as no fewer than seven lawmakers defected across party lines, dealing a heavy blow to the Peoples Democratic Party while also exposing cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
At the resumption of plenary after the Easter recess, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, read multiple defection letters on the floor, signalling intensifying political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP emerged as the biggest loser, with five of its members dumping the party. Among them, Abubakar Abdul (Niger) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Kebbi) crossed over to the APC, while Yakubu Noma (Kebbi) defected to the African Democratic Congress.
In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji abandoned the PDP for the Accord Party.
The APC, despite its majority status, also recorded losses as David Fuoh (Taraba) defected to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair (Kaduna) pitched his tent with the ADC.
In a notable switch, Lagos lawmaker Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, resigned from the Labour Party, citing prolonged leadership crises, and joined the ADC.
Addressing concerns over the growing wave of defections, Kalu dismissed fears of an emerging one-party state, insisting that the trend reflects democratic freedom and political choice.
The latest cross-carpeting underscores deepening internal wrangling within major parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, as lawmakers reposition for political survival and advantage ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts say the shifting alliances point to heightened jostling for relevance, with smaller parties like the ADC increasingly benefiting from the cracks within dominant platforms.
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Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker, Hassan Danjuma, who died on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
