27 Lawmakers Defect to APC, Shifting House Power Dynamics

During a plenary session, 27 lawmakers announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment. This move, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abba, was formalized through a letter read during the session.

The defections included 14 members joining the APC, which now strengthens its dominance in the House of Representatives, increasing its membership to 280 out of 360. Notably, eight members from Kano State left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC, citing internal party crises as the reason for their decision.

Other defectors included members from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Action Peoples Party (APP). The defections have significantly reduced the opposition's strength, with the PDP now holding 38 seats, while the ADC, LP, and NNPP hold 15, 12, and 5 seats, respectively.

This development raises concerns about the weakening of opposition parties in Nigeria's multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.