27 Reps Defect as ADC Gains First Principal Officer, LP Also Benefits Ahead of 2027 Elections
A major political realignment swept through Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as 27 lawmakers defected across party lines, reshaping the balance of power and setting the stage for intensified political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Emerges Biggest Winner
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded the highest gains in the wave of defections, adding about 14 lawmakers to its ranks. This surge further consolidates the party’s dominance in the lower chamber, even as it lost two members to other parties.
During plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read out the defection letters, revealing that most lawmakers blamed internal crises and irreconcilable differences within their former parties for their decisions.
A major boost for the APC came from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), where internal divisions triggered a mass exit. The party’s House Deputy Minority Leader, Sani Madaki, led several members into the APC, citing prolonged disputes and factional alignments within the party.
Madaki referenced the deepening cracks within the NNPP, including divisions among loyalists of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a key factor behind the defection.
ADC Secures First Principal Officer
In a significant political development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as a rising force, gaining eight new members in the House.
Leading this movement was House Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinnobi, who defected from the Labour Party (LP) along with several colleagues.
His move handed the ADC its first principal officer position in the 10th National Assembly—a milestone for the party.
Explaining his decision, Ozodinnobi said:
“The crisis in the Labour Party has affected the collective pursuit of a common agenda.”
He added that joining the ADC would better position him to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Other lawmakers who joined the ADC cut across multiple parties, reflecting growing dissatisfaction within the political landscape.
LP and Smaller Parties Record Gains
Despite internal challenges, the Labour Party (LP) managed to secure one additional member, showing it remains relevant in the evolving political equation.
Meanwhile, smaller parties also made gains:
The Action People’s Party (APP) welcomed defectors including Ikenga Ugochinyere and Matthew Nwaogu
The Accord Party gained two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
These movements suggest that alternative political platforms are gradually attracting lawmakers seeking new opportunities.
Updated House Composition
Following the defections, the composition of the House of Representatives now stands as follows:
APC: 280 seats
PDP: 38 seats
ADC: 15 seats
LP: 12 seats
NNPP: 5 seats
Accord Party: 2 seats
APP: 2 seats
Implications for 2027 Elections
The mass defection underscores deep cracks within opposition parties, particularly the PDP, LP, and NNPP, while strengthening the APC’s legislative control.
With the ADC gaining momentum and securing its first principal officer, analysts believe the party could play a more strategic role in coalition politics ahead of 2027.
As political actors continue to reposition, more defections are expected in the coming months, signaling a volatile and highly competitive road to the next general election.
