2027: Eight lawmakers defect in House of Representatives
Political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Tuesday as eight members of the House of Representatives formally defected to new political parties during plenary at the Green Chamber.
The defections, which cut across multiple political parties, are widely seen as early strategic moves by lawmakers positioning themselves ahead of the anticipated party primaries for the 2027 elections.
Lawmakers Who Defected
Among those who announced their defection was Abubakar Abdul Buba, who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing political considerations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Similarly, Sani Yakubu Noma dumped the PDP for the African Democratic Congress, while Ibrahim Mohammed Bunza also left the PDP to join the APC.
In Osun State, two lawmakers — Mudashiru Alani and Olusoji Adetunji — defected from the PDP to the Accord Party, further reshaping the party’s representation in the lower chamber.
Meanwhile, Thaddeus Attah left the Labour Party to join the ADC, adding to the growing influence of the party in the House.
Also, Bashir Usman Zubairu defected from the APC to the ADC, while David Abel Fouh crossed from the APC to the PDP.
Early Political Realignments
The wave of defections reflects intensifying political maneuvering among lawmakers seeking favourable platforms ahead of party primaries. Observers say such movements are expected to continue as political actors reposition themselves for re-election bids or higher political ambitions.
Political analysts note that while defections are common in Nigeria’s political landscape, the timing — nearly a year before formal preparations for the 2027 elections — suggests heightened political calculations already underway.
The development also signals potential shifts in party strength within the House, with the ADC and Accord Party appearing to benefit from the latest round of defections.
As political activities gather pace, more lawmakers are expected to make strategic moves in the coming months, further reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.