A fresh round of political defections swept through the House of Representatives on Tuesday, as 27 lawmakers switched parties in a move that is already reshaping the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the changes during plenary, expressing concern over the exit of two members from the ruling party while confirming a larger influx into it. The All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the biggest beneficiary, gaining 14 new members and bringing its total strength to about 280 in the 360-member chamber.
The opposition, however, continues to thin out. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now holds just 38 seats, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has 15. The Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) trail with 12 and five members respectively, while smaller parties like Accord and the Action Peoples Party each have two lawmakers.
One of the most notable defections came from Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, who left the APC for the Labour Party. He attributed his decision to political tensions in Benue State, particularly the rift involving Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Agbese insisted his move was driven by the interests of his constituents rather than personal ambition, dismissing speculation about a potential governorship bid. He described his switch as a strategic step to better serve his people ahead of the next election cycle.
Several lawmakers also moved into the ADC, citing internal crises within their former parties. Among them were members from the PDP and LP, including those who pointed to leadership disputes and lack of unity as key reasons for their exit.
The NNPP also suffered significant losses, with multiple lawmakers defecting to the APC. The party has been grappling with internal divisions linked to the political influence of Rabiu Kwankwaso and disagreements within its leadership structure.
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Meanwhile, political heavyweights including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje were present at the National Assembly to welcome defectors from Kano into the ruling party.
In a related development, Senator Peter Jiya of Niger South also defected from the PDP to the APC, blaming unresolved internal conflicts within his former party. In a letter read during Senate plenary, he said the ongoing disputes had made it difficult for him to function effectively.
The latest wave of defections highlights growing instability within opposition parties and signals a strategic consolidation by the APC as political actors begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
