A wave of political defections is sweeping across Nigeria’s National Assembly, as several lawmakers announce their movement from one political party to another, signaling a significant realignment ahead of future electoral contests.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the defections cut across major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Accord Party.
In Benue State, Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, defects from the APC to the Labour Party, marking a notable shift in the state’s political landscape.
In Osun State, Akanni Clement Ademola, representing Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency, moves from the PDP to the Accord Party, while Oladebo Lanre Olomololaye of Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan also defects from PDP to Accord.
In Imo State, Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, leaves the PDP for the Action Peoples Party, while Nwogu Mathew of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency moves from the Labour Party to the APP.
According to Mediaplusng.com, in Anambra State, Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi defects from the Labour Party to the ADC, alongside Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency and also joins the ADC.
In Gombe State, Yaya Bauchi Tongo defects from the PDP to the ADC, representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, while in Lagos State, Seyi Sowunmi of Ojo Federal Constituency moves from the Labour Party to the ADC.
In Kaduna State, Mustapha Abdullahi, representing Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, defects from the APC to the ADC, adding to the growing list of lawmakers joining the party.
In Sokoto State, a series of defections is recorded as Mani Maishinko Katami of Binni/Silame Federal Constituency, Abdussamad Dasuki of Kebbe/Tambuwal, and Umar Yusuf Yabo of Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency all move from the PDP to the ADC.
Meanwhile, shifts toward the APC are also gaining momentum.
In Adamawa State, Mohammed Bassi, representing Mayo Belwa/Ganye/Jada/Toungo Federal Constituency, defects from the PDP to the APC.
In Kano State, multiple lawmakers switch from the NNPP to the APC, including Ghali Tijjani Mustapha of Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya, Shehu Bello of Fagge Federal Constituency, Dankawu Idris of Kumbotso, Hussain Hassan Shehu of Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Rabiu Yusuf of Sumaila/Takai, Garba Mohammed Chiroma of Gezawa/Gabasawa, Ibrahim Mohammed of Gwale Federal Constituency, and Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe representing Tofa, Dawakin-Tofa, and Rimingado.
Jaafaru Yakubu of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and Sadiq Abbas Tafida of Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency both defect from the PDP to the APC, reinforcing the party’s growing presence in the region.
In Kebbi State, Ibrahim Mohammed of Birnin-Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency also moves from the PDP to the APC, while in Zamfara State, Bello Shinkafi of Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency follows the same path.
In addition, the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliu Madaki, representing Dala Federal Constituency, defects from the NNPP to the APC, marking a high-profile shift within the legislative leadership structure.
Observers describe the widespread defections as a strategic repositioning.
Political analysts note that the movement of lawmakers across party lines reflects internal party dynamics, ideological shifts, and preparations for future elections, particularly as political actors seek stronger platforms and alliances.
Concerns are also emerging regarding party stability, voter loyalty, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, as frequent defections continue to reshape the political landscape.
Despite differing interpretations, the trend underscores the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria, where alliances and affiliations remain subject to change based on evolving political calculations.
As the defections continue, attention remains on how these movements will influence legislative activities, party strength, and the balance of power within Nigeria’s political system.
