Four members of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The defections were announced during Thursday’s plenary after the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read letters from the affected lawmakers.
The lawmakers said internal crises within the PDP and the need to provide better representation for their constituents informed their decision to leave the party.
Those who defected are Muhammad Shehu, representing Zaki Federal Constituency; Aliyu Garu, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency; Sani Tanko, representing Shira/Giade Federal Constituency; and Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
Their move is considered significant because of the PDP’s long-standing political influence in Bauchi State.
The defections also come amid increasing political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also during plenary, Jeremiah Umaru, who represents Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The latest defections add to a series of political movements recorded in the House of Representatives in recent days.
On Tuesday, eight lawmakers left the PDP for the APM, while three others moved from the APC to the PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
On Wednesday, three lawmakers also left the APC to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The growing wave of defections has increased speculation about emerging political alliances and coalitions ahead of the next election cycle.
Political observers believe many lawmakers are reviewing their political future due to internal party disputes, leadership challenges and the rising influence of smaller political parties.
The loss of four federal lawmakers from Bauchi State represents another setback for the PDP as it continues efforts to strengthen unity within its ranks after post-2023 election disagreements.
The APM appears to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing political realignments in the House of Representatives.
The party has attracted several lawmakers in recent days and now counts Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, among its prominent members.
