Barely 72 hours after three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party has recorded yet another wave of defections.
On Thursday, two members of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Usman and Abdullahi Sani—both elected under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—formally joined the APC. The lawmakers represent Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya and Karaye/Rogo Federal Constituencies, respectively, both located in Kano State.
The notices of defection were read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary session. According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the NNPP was driven by what they described as “the internal crisis rocking the party.”
In a related development, another federal lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in Osun State, also announced his defection to the APC. Oke, who had previously served under the PDP banner, did not publicly state his reason for leaving but was warmly welcomed into the APC fold.
Thursday’s plenary had all the markings of a coordinated political shift. The presence of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, underscored the party’s growing momentum and its strategic approach to expanding legislative dominance across Nigeria.
Observers noted that the rapid succession of defections—spanning both chambers of the National Assembly and involving lawmakers from different regions and political backgrounds—suggests a broad realignment in national politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The APC now appears to be tightening its grip not only on the Senate, where it currently holds 68 out of 109 seats, but also in the House of Representatives, further solidifying its position as the dominant political force in Nigeria.
Analysts believe the defections are part of a larger trend fueled by internal strife within opposition parties, the APC’s strategic political overtures, and the perceived stability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
As of now, the APC leadership has not ruled out more defections in the coming weeks. Sources within the party suggest ongoing discussions with additional lawmakers dissatisfied with their current party leadership or disillusioned with their party’s direction.
The political equation in Nigeria’s National Assembly is clearly shifting, and with each new defection, the ruling party’s legislative muscle grows stronger. Whether this will translate to more unified governance or increased political tension remains to be seen.
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