By Ghazali Ibrahim
The wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections has not only boosted the fortunes of opposition parties but has also cost the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) some seats in the House of Representatives.
Within the past few months, at least five members of the Green Chamber elected on the APC platform have formally announced their departure from the ruling party, citing internal disputes, political differences and emerging alliances.
The latest round of defections occurred on June 3 when three lawmakers dumped the APC during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Among them was Rabilu Bala, who represents the Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State. Bala left the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), blaming disagreements within the ruling party and concerns over developments at both the state and national levels.
Also exiting the APC was Abubakar Zango, the lawmaker representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.
Zango joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying his decision was guided by conscience and what he described as the national interest.
The third lawmaker was Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State. He also defected from the APC to the ADC, becoming part of the growing movement of lawmakers seeking alternative political platforms ahead of the next election cycle.
Before the June defections, the APC had already suffered losses in the House. One of the most notable was Philip Agbese, Deputy House Spokesman and member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, who left the APC for the Labour Party amid political disagreements in his home state.
Another APC lawmaker who joined the exodus was Mustapha Abdullahi, who defected from the ruling party to the ADC during the March wave of defections that saw 27 lawmakers switch political affiliations in a single sitting.
The departures underscore the growing fluidity within Nigeria’s political landscape as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the APC has gained more lawmakers than it has lost through defections, the exits of sitting members from Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, Benue and other states highlight lingering internal tensions within some chapters of the ruling party.
Political observers say more defections could occur in the coming months as coalition talks intensify and parties continue negotiations aimed at strengthening their positions before the next general election.
