The political composition of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has experienced a significant shift following the defection of eight federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The development, announced during a plenary session by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is expected to alter the balance of power in the House and may reshape ongoing legislative priorities.
Six of the defecting lawmakers are from Delta State, all of whom have now aligned themselves with the APC. Those involved in the mass defection include Nnamdi Ezechi, Jonathan Ukodiko, Nicholas Mutu, Thomas Ereyitomi, Julius Pondi, and Victor Nwokolo. Their defection to the APC was officially acknowledged during Tuesday’s plenary sitting. The move is widely viewed as a calculated political realignment, likely influenced by the ruling party’s dominance and perceived capacity to provide more favorable political opportunities and influence within federal structures.
The legislators cited various reasons for their defection, including the need for better representation of their constituencies and alignment with the policies and leadership style of the current federal administration. Political analysts suggest the move may also be tied to preparations for the 2027 general elections, as lawmakers seek platforms with greater political leverage.
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In addition to the six from Delta State, two lawmakers previously affiliated with the PDP have also defected to the APC. Hussaini Jallo, who represents Igabi Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Adamu Tanko, who represents Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency in Niger State, both confirmed their defections in letters read by the Speaker. They pointed to internal strife and unresolved crises within the PDP as primary motivations for abandoning the party. Jallo further stated his confidence in the APC’s developmental agenda and national unity framework, while Tanko noted that political stability was essential to achieving meaningful legislative impact in his district.
The defections have sparked an immediate backlash from the PDP. The opposition party has condemned the moves, asserting that the lawmakers’ seats should be declared vacant in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. Citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the PDP maintains that lawmakers who defect to another party without a proven and justifiable cause—such as a legitimate internal division within their original party—are required by law to relinquish their seats.
The PDP has urged the Speaker of the House to uphold constitutional accountability by declaring the seats of the defectors vacant and notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize fresh elections in the affected constituencies. According to the party, failure to do so would amount to a breach of constitutional integrity and could undermine the democratic process.
This wave of defections has further complicated the already tense political climate within the House. With the APC increasing its numerical strength, the party is now in a more dominant position to push its legislative agenda with reduced resistance. Meanwhile, the PDP finds itself under growing pressure to retain cohesion within its ranks and reassert its role as the primary opposition voice in the National Assembly.
Political observers believe the developments could trigger further defections in the months ahead, particularly if internal party disputes persist. The shifting loyalties may also influence the legislative direction of the House, especially on issues such as electoral reforms, constitutional amendments, and fiscal policy debates.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains focused on the response from both the leadership of the National Assembly and Nigeria’s electoral umpire, with stakeholders calling for adherence to the rule of law and the protection of democratic norms.
