The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday suffered fresh defections in the House of Representatives as three lawmakers formally announced their exit from the party.
The development came barely 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed plenary following the Sallah break, as political activities and alliances continue to build ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During plenary, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read letters from the affected lawmakers explaining their reasons for leaving the ruling party.
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, Bala said his decision followed persistent disagreements within the APC and consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency.
He stated that the move was informed by “concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.”
The lawmaker added that he believed the PRP would provide a better platform for him to serve the interests of his constituents.
In a separate development, the member representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, Abubakar Zango, resigned from the APC and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In his letter, Zango said his decision was guided by his conscience and what he described as the broader national interest.
He assured his constituents that the defection would not affect his commitment to effective representation.
The lawmaker also pledged to continue carrying out his legislative responsibilities diligently and in line with democratic principles.
Similarly, the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Abdullahi, also left the APC for the ADC.
The latest defections add to the growing wave of political realignments across the country as politicians reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although the APC still holds comfortable majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, the defections have highlighted ongoing tensions in some state chapters of the party.
Issues such as internal democracy, leadership disputes, succession plans and dissatisfaction with party structures have been identified as some of the factors driving recent political movements.
Political observers believe the defections could signal more changes in party affiliations as preparations for the next election cycle intensify.
While some lawmakers have cited internal party challenges as reasons for leaving, others are believed to be aligning with emerging political blocs and alliances expected to play key roles in the 2027 elections.
The APC leadership has repeatedly downplayed concerns over the defections, insisting that the ruling party remains strong and united despite the departures.
However, opposition parties have described the recent defections as a sign of growing dissatisfaction within the APC and an opportunity to strengthen their presence in the National Assembly.
