Another round of defections has shaken the House of Representatives of Nigeria as several lawmakers abandoned their political parties for new platforms, deepening the ongoing political realignments within the National Assembly.
The latest development came barely a day after the Peoples Democratic Party lost four members in the lower chamber, as six additional lawmakers on Thursday moved to the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.
The Labour Party (Nigeria) was also affected by the shifting political landscape after five of its members defected to the ADC, further reducing its strength in the Green Chamber.
While announcing the changes during plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu linked the defections to persistent internal disagreements and leadership crises troubling several opposition parties.
Among the lawmakers who left the PDP for the APC are Bitrus Kwamoti, Zakaria Nyampa, James Barka and Kobis Thimnu from Adamawa State, alongside Mohammed Bargaja representing Sokoto and Midala Balami from Borno State.
Similarly, three lawmakers from Anambra State — Afam Ogene, Lilian Orogbu and Peter Aniekwe — left the Labour Party for the ADC.
Two other LP members, Jessy Onuakalusi from Lagos State and Osaro Omoruyi from Edo State, also joined the ADC.
In addition, Peter Uzokwe, who was elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party, announced his defection to the ADC.
Addressing the chamber, Kalu welcomed the new APC members, describing the ruling party as an inclusive platform that accommodates Nigerians from different political backgrounds.
He added that the growing number of lawmakers joining the party reflects confidence in its policies and leadership direction.
According to him, some other lawmakers had already submitted letters indicating their intention to defect to the APC but could not be officially announced because they were absent during the session.
Political observers say the latest movements are part of a wider wave of political repositioning across the country as parties and politicians prepare for the next general election cycle.
In recent months, prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have reportedly been involved in discussions aimed at forming a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The African Democratic Congress has been widely mentioned as one of the possible platforms that could host such an alliance.
These developments have heightened political calculations within the National Assembly as lawmakers seek to align themselves with parties they believe will offer stronger prospects in future elections.
Analysts also note that prolonged leadership disputes within the PDP and factional tensions in the Labour Party have contributed significantly to the current wave of defections.
For the ruling APC, the arrival of more lawmakers reinforces its already strong majority in the House of Representatives, while the ADC appears to be gaining attention as an alternative platform for politicians seeking a new political base.
With indications that more lawmakers may still switch parties, observers believe the political configuration of the House could continue to evolve in the coming weeks.
