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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday suffered a fresh setback in the House of Representatives as three of its members formally announced their defection to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a development that further underscores the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were announced during plenary at the House of Representatives, barely 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed legislative activities following the Eid-el-Kabir recess. The latest movements come amid increasing consultations, coalition discussions, and strategic repositioning by political actors across the country as attention gradually shifts to the next electoral cycle.
Among the lawmakers who left the APC is Hon. Rabilu Bala, who represents Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State. Bala formally defected to the PRP, citing persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need to align with a platform he believes would better serve the interests of his constituents.
Reading the lawmaker’s letter on the floor of the House, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Bala explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency and was informed by “concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.”
The letter further indicated that the lawmaker had become convinced that the PRP offered a more suitable platform through which he could pursue his legislative and political objectives.
In a separate development, Hon. Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, announced his resignation from the APC and subsequent defection to the ADC.
In his letter, Zango stated that his decision was guided by his conscience and what he described as the broader national interest. He assured constituents that his change of party would not affect his commitment to effective representation.
According to the letter, he would continue to discharge his legislative responsibilities diligently and in accordance with democratic principles, stressing that his dedication to the welfare of his constituents remained unchanged.
Also announcing his departure from the APC was Hon. Abdullahi, the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who equally defected to the ADC.
The latest defections add to a growing list of political movements that have gained momentum in recent months as politicians across party lines position themselves for the next round of electoral contests.
Although the APC continues to enjoy comfortable majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, recent developments have drawn attention to lingering internal disagreements in some state chapters of the party, particularly over issues relating to internal democracy, leadership arrangements, and succession politics.
The defections are also expected to strengthen the visibility of the receiving parties. The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political organisations, traces its roots to the political movement founded by the late Mallam Aminu Kano and has in recent years sought to rebuild its influence, particularly across parts of northern Nigeria.
The ADC, meanwhile, has increasingly attracted politicians seeking alternatives to the country’s dominant political parties. The party has featured prominently in ongoing conversations around opposition cooperation and coalition-building ahead of 2027.
Political observers view the latest developments as part of a broader process of political recalibration already underway across the country. While some lawmakers have cited internal party challenges as reasons for their departures, others are believed to be aligning with emerging alliances and blocs expected to play significant roles in shaping the contest for power in the next general election.
For the APC, the defections represent another test of party cohesion at a time when political stakeholders are intensifying efforts to consolidate support and strengthen structures nationwide. The party leadership has consistently maintained that it remains united and resilient despite recent departures.
Opposition parties, however, have interpreted the defections as evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party and a sign that Nigeria’s political landscape may witness further shifts in the months ahead.
With less than two years until the 2027 general elections, attention is expected to remain focused on developments within the National Assembly and the wider political arena as parties seek to position themselves for what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.