The wave of political defections in the House of Representatives gathered further momentum on Thursday as four lawmakers from Bauchi State resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), deepening concerns over the opposition party’s shrinking influence in the National Assembly.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the defections during plenary after reading letters from the affected lawmakers informing the House of their decision to leave the PDP.
The lawmakers are Muhammad Shehu (Zaki Federal Constituency), Aliyu Garu (Bauchi Federal Constituency), Sani Tanko (Shira/Giade Federal Constituency), and Mansur Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency).
In a related development, Jeremiah Umaru, who represents Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, also changed party affiliation, leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The lawmakers cited persistent internal crises within their former parties and the need to better serve their constituents as reasons for their decisions.
The latest defections highlight the growing political realignment taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with lawmakers increasingly repositioning themselves amid shifting alliances and internal disputes across party lines.
The departure of the four Bauchi lawmakers is seen as a significant blow to the PDP, which has traditionally maintained a strong political presence in the state. The move comes amid heightened political activity and speculation over emerging power blocs ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Thursday’s defections followed a series of similar developments in the House over the past week. On Tuesday, eight lawmakers left the PDP for the APM, while three others switched from the APC to the PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
A day later, three legislators abandoned the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further underscoring the fluid political landscape within the lower chamber.
Political analysts say the increasing rate of defections reflects broader efforts by lawmakers to secure favourable political platforms ahead of future contests. They point to internal party conflicts, leadership tussles and the growing appeal of smaller political parties seeking to expand their influence nationwide.
The PDP, already grappling with post-2023 election challenges and internal disagreements, faces another setback with the loss of four lawmakers from a single state.
For the APM, however, the defections represent a major boost. The party has emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of the ongoing political shifts and has continued to attract serving lawmakers.
The party’s growing profile has also been strengthened by the recent alignment of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed with its platform.
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