Defections Rock PDP as Tinubu’s Influence Draws 12 More Lawmakers to APC…The wave of political defections rocking Nigeria’s political landscape has intensified, with at least 12 more federal lawmakers—comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives—switching allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
What has been dubbed a political hurricane is sweeping through the opposition as prominent lawmakers abandon the PDP, citing a combination of internal party crises, strategic realignment, and improved access to federal development resources.
The latest round of defections includes three PDP senators from Kebbi State and several House of Representatives members from Delta and Osun states.
The three senators—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—have met with President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Though their formal defection on the Senate floor is still pending, the meeting is widely seen as a definitive move toward joining the ruling party.
Sources close to the senators confirmed that their decision was driven by the desire to align with the federal government in order to deliver democratic dividends to their constituents.
In the House of Representatives, six lawmakers from Delta State and one from Osun State have also moved to the APC.
Among them is Oluwole Oke, a five-term representative from Osun State, whose defection is considered a major blow to the PDP in the South-West.
In Delta State, the political shift has been even more sweeping, with all 21 members of the State House of Assembly—including the Speaker—also defecting to the APC.
These developments followed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s widely reported overtures toward the ruling party.
The defections have not been limited to high-profile federal and state lawmakers.
Hundreds of other political figures affiliated with the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have reportedly joined the APC across several states including Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Edo, and Jigawa.
This mass exodus is being interpreted by political observers as a coordinated strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many politicians seeking relevance and alignment with the federal power structure.
President Tinubu’s political machinery has been widely credited with orchestrating the defections, as he continues to consolidate power within the National Assembly and key state structures.
According to sources familiar with the recent developments, Tinubu has personally engaged with many of the defecting lawmakers, assuring them of inclusion and support within the APC framework.
The PDP, on the other hand, is in damage control mode. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has held several emergency meetings in recent weeks, including a key session on April 29, aimed at halting the growing trend of defections.
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Party insiders acknowledge that internal wranglings, a lack of strategic cohesion, and dissatisfaction with leadership have fueled the exits.
In a statement, a senior PDP official who asked not to be named admitted, “There is serious concern about the future of the party if this trend continues.
We are working behind the scenes to address grievances and rebuild trust.”
Meanwhile, the APC has welcomed the new members, stating that the influx is a validation of the party’s national agenda and the leadership of President Tinubu.
Party chairman Abdullahi Ganduje said the defectors would be fully integrated and given platforms to contribute meaningfully to governance.
As the political realignments unfold, it is becoming increasingly clear that the PDP faces an uphill battle to retain its foothold in key states and maintain its relevance as a formidable opposition party.
With the National Assembly now tilting even more in favor of the APC, President Tinubu’s grip on the legislative arm appears to be strengthening, setting the stage for a potential landslide advantage in 2027.
