PDP Faces Opposition Status Threat Amid Defections

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is at risk of losing its status as the main opposition party in the House of Representatives amid a wave of defections that have significantly reduced its number of lawmakers. Current estimates indicate that the PDP's representation has dropped to around 116 members, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is rapidly gaining ground, potentially overtaking the PDP as the dominant opposition bloc.

This resurgence of the ADC is driven by high-profile political realignments involving key figures such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola. The situation worsened further with the recent defection of Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC and at least seven lawmakers from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) joining the ADC, raising its caucus strength to 24 members.

Sources indicate that the PDP's decline is attributed to prolonged internal crises, and if the trend continues, the party may lose its minor leadership position in the House.