Nigeria’s House of Representatives witnessed another round of political realignments on Wednesday as five lawmakers formally dumped their former opposition parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party, a development that further tilts the balance of power in favour of the APC and underscores the growing instability within opposition ranks across the country.
The defections were officially disclosed on the floor of the House during plenary, following the reading of separate letters addressed to the chamber by the affected lawmakers.
The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, announced the decisions after confirming that the lawmakers had complied with legislative procedures for notifying the House of their change in party affiliation. Four of the legislators crossed over to the APC, while one opted to align with the Accord Party.
Those who joined the APC were Garba Inuwa, representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Abdullahi El-Rasheed of Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also in Gombe State; Mohammed Audu from Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency of Taraba State; and Joshua Obika, who represents Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory.
Inuwa, El-Rasheed and Audu defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, while Obika exited the Labour Party to pitch his tent with the ruling party.
In a separate declaration, Adewale Adebayo, who represents Irepodun/Olorunda/Oshogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State, also announced his resignation from the PDP but chose to join the Accord Party, adding another dimension to the ongoing reshaping of party strength within the National Assembly.
In their individual letters read to the House, the defecting lawmakers blamed their decisions on prolonged internal crises, leadership tussles and unresolved factional disputes within their former political parties.
They argued that the persistent instability had weakened party structures, eroded internal cohesion and made it increasingly difficult for them to function effectively as lawmakers or pursue the interests of their constituents under such platforms.
Obika, in particular, pointed to the deepening divisions within the Labour Party, noting that the emergence of multiple leadership camps had thrown the party into confusion at both national and state levels. According to him, the lack of a unified leadership had created uncertainty over party direction, undermining confidence among members and supporters alike.
The latest defections reflect a familiar trend in Nigeria’s legislative politics, where party switching often intensifies during periods of internal party turmoil.
Although Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution provides that a legislator may lose their seat for defecting before the end of their tenure, it also allows an exception where such defection is occasioned by division within the party that sponsored the lawmaker’s election.
Lawmakers frequently rely on this constitutional safeguard to justify their moves.
Beyond the immediate shifts, the development highlights the deepening challenges facing opposition parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, both of which have struggled with leadership disputes, internal wrangling and prolonged litigation in recent months.
Since the 2023 general elections, the PDP has remained mired in disagreements over leadership positions, zoning arrangements and party strategy, while the Labour Party has been embroiled in legal battles over the legitimacy of its national leadership, resulting in parallel factions.
For the APC, the defections further entrench its dominance in the House of Representatives. Prior to Wednesday’s development, the ruling party controlled about 241 of the 360 seats in the chamber, with the remaining seats shared among several opposition parties.
The expanding numerical strength not only enhances the APC’s influence over routine legislative business but also strengthens its hand on critical issues requiring a two-thirds majority, including constitutional amendments and other far-reaching legislative decisions.
