RismadarVoice Reporters, June 3, 2026
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday recorded fresh defections in the House of Representatives as three lawmakers formally announced their exit from the party, signalling growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections came barely 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed plenary following the Sallah recess, a period during which political consultations, coalition talks, and strategic repositioning intensified across the country.
At plenary, the lawmaker representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Rabilu Bala, formally defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who read Bala’s letter on the floor of the chamber, said the legislator attributed his decision to persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need to pursue a platform he believes would better serve the interests of his constituents.
According to the letter, the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency and was influenced by concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.
In a separate development, Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, announced his resignation from the APC and subsequent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Zango said his decision was guided by his conscience and what he described as the broader national interest. He pledged to continue discharging his legislative duties diligently and assured constituents that his commitment to effective representation remained unchanged.
Also, the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Abdullahi, defected from the APC to the ADC, further reducing the ruling party’s numbers in the Green Chamber.
The latest defections add to a growing wave of political movements across the country as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although the APC continues to enjoy comfortable majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, recent developments have exposed tensions within some state chapters of the party, particularly over issues of internal democracy, leadership structures, and succession arrangements.
The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties founded on the political philosophy of the late Mallam Aminu Kano, has been working to rebuild its influence, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The ADC, meanwhile, has increasingly become a destination for politicians seeking alternatives to the country’s dominant political parties amid ongoing coalition efforts among opposition groups.
Political analysts believe the defections could signal the beginning of a broader political realignment as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle. While some lawmakers have cited internal crises as reasons for leaving their parties, others are believed to be aligning with emerging political alliances expected to influence the 2027 contest.
The APC leadership has consistently dismissed concerns over recent defections, maintaining that the party remains united and strong despite the departures.
Opposition parties, however, have described the developments as evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party and a sign of shifting political dynamics.
With less than two years until the next general election, attention is expected to remain focused on developments within the National Assembly and across the political landscape as parties intensify efforts to consolidate support and strengthen their structures nationwide.
