A fresh wave of political defections has shaken the House of Representatives Nigeria as 12 lawmakers announced that they are leaving their parties for new political platforms.
The development was made public during Thursday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who read out letters submitted by the lawmakers formally informing the House of their decision to switch parties.
According to the announcement, six lawmakers left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Others moved from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Labour Party Nigeria (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kalu explained that the lawmakers had officially notified the House through resignation letters. However, he added that the ceremonial confirmation of some defections would take place when the affected lawmakers are physically present in the chamber.
Lawmakers Who Moved From PDP to APC
Among those who left the PDP for the APC are:
- Bamisele Komolafe Beatrice Lowery
- Muktar Aliyu Betara (Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency, Borno State)
- Zakari Dauda Nyampa (Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Adamawa State)
Lawmakers Who Moved From Other Parties to ADC
Some lawmakers also switched from smaller parties to the ADC:
- Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Anambra State), who defected from the YPP
- Bright Iyamu Jesse Oke Onakpasa, who moved from the Labour Party
- Shuaib Abiola Sowunmi, who also left the Labour Party
Other Lawmakers Mentioned During the Session
The Deputy Speaker also mentioned several other lawmakers whose letters had already been received but whose official announcements would be made once they are present in the chamber. They include:
Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Jafaru Yakubu, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Victor Afam Ogene, Kafilat Ogbara, Peter Udo Udofia, Professor Obi Lilian Orogbu, Barrister Mohammed Bello Shehu, Dankawu Idris, Hassan Shehu Hussaini, Muhammad Ghali Tijjani, and Jimbo Ibrahim.
Kalu noted that while their resignation letters had been acknowledged, the formal announcements would only be completed when the lawmakers are present to personally confirm their decisions.
“It’s treated as received, but the ceremonial announcement will be made when they’re in the house. They have to be here so they don’t deny it tomorrow,” he said.
Political Realignments Ahead of 2027
The defections reflect the shifting alliances that have become common in Nigeria’s political space, especially as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent months, several politicians have switched parties, many aligning themselves with the ruling APC. Earlier in 2026, five governors also defected to the party, strengthening its control across the country.
Currently, the APC controls 31 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, leaving only five states governed by opposition parties. The latest defections in the National Assembly highlight the growing political maneuvering expected to shape the build-up to the 2027 elections.
