Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift as no fewer than 21 serving members of the House of Representatives have defected from their respective parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling an early but significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The wave of defections cuts across major political platforms including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (Nigeria) (LP), and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), underscoring what analysts describe as a deepening crisis of confidence within the country’s dominant political structures.
Findings show that Sokoto State recorded one of the highest numbers of defections, with four lawmakers — Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal), Mani Maishinko Katami (Binji/Silame), Umar Yusuf Yabo (Yabo/Shagari), and Bashir Gorau (Goronyo/Gada) — all dumping the PDP for the ADC.
Kaduna State followed closely with six lawmakers switching allegiance. Among them are Mustapha Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), Umar Ajilo (Makarfi/Kudan), and Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Richifa (Soba), who left the APC, alongside Mustapha Muhammad Yariman Damau (PDP). Notably, Bello El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North, and Bashir Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa) also exited the APC in what observers describe as a significant blow to the ruling party in the North-West.
In the South-East, Anambra State contributed six defectors, predominantly from the Labour Party. These include George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/South), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru), Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Orogbu. Peter Uzokwe also joined from the YPP, further weakening smaller party structures in the region.
Lagos State recorded two defections, with Seyi Sowunmi (Ojo) and Jessey Onakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo II) leaving the Labour Party for the ADC, while additional defections were recorded in Gombe, Benue, and Edo States.
A breakdown of the movement shows that seven lawmakers defected from the APC, seven from the Labour Party, six from the PDP, and one from the YPP — a distribution that highlights a broad-based shift rather than an isolated political protest.
Reacting to the development, stakeholders within the ADC described the influx as a validation of the party’s growing national appeal and its positioning as a credible alternative ahead of the next electoral cycle. In a statement issued by the Non-Indigene Rivers State chapter under High Chief Ambassador Mike Oyiakhire, the new members were warmly received and urged to remain united in what was described as a collective mission to “rescue Nigeria.”
Political observers, however, note that while defections are not new in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, the scale and cross-party nature of the current movement suggest deeper undercurrents. Many point to internal party disputes, ideological disillusionment, and strategic positioning ahead of 2027 as key drivers of the shift.
As the dust settles, attention is now turning to how the leadership of the affected parties will respond, and whether the ADC can consolidate this momentum into a formidable national force capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political future.
