Three APC Lawmakers Dump Party Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday suffered fresh defections in the House of Representatives as three lawmakers formally announced their exit from the party.

Naija News reports that the development came barely 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed plenary following the Sallah break, amid growing political consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At plenary, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read letters from the affected lawmakers, who cited internal disagreements and the need to pursue their political ambitions on alternative platforms.

The member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Rabilu Bala, defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

In his letter read by the Speaker, Bala said his decision followed persistent internal disagreements within the APC and consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency.

According to the letter, the lawmaker said the move was informed by “concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.”

He also said he believed the PRP would provide a better platform for him to serve the interests of his constituents.

The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, is historically linked to the political movement of the late Mallam Aminu Kano and has recently sought to rebuild its influence in parts of northern Nigeria.

In a separate development, the member representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, Abubakar Zango, announced his resignation from the APC and defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In his letter, Zango said his decision was guided by conscience and what he described as the broader national interest.

He assured his constituents that his defection would not affect his commitment to effective representation.

The lawmaker pledged to continue carrying out his legislative duties diligently and in line with democratic principles.

Similarly, the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Abdullahi, also dumped the APC for the ADC.

The ADC has in recent months attracted politicians seeking alternatives to the dominant political parties, especially amid ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures.

The defections add to the growing wave of political movements across the country as politicians begin to reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although the APC still maintains comfortable majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, the latest defections point to lingering tensions within some state chapters of the party.

Some of the issues reportedly fueling the movement include internal democracy, leadership disputes, succession calculations and dissatisfaction with party structures.

Political observers say the latest defections may be a sign of more movements to come as parties prepare for the next election cycle.

While some lawmakers have blamed internal crises for their exit, others are believed to be aligning with emerging political blocs and alliances expected to shape the 2027 contest.

The APC leadership has repeatedly dismissed concerns over defections, insisting that the ruling party remains strong and united despite isolated departures.

However, opposition parties have described the recent movements as evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

They also see the defections as an opportunity to expand their political reach and strengthen their presence in the National Assembly.