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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

APC loses Rep members to PRP, ADC

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Two lawmakers from Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to other parties, signaling political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
  • Rabilu Bala left the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing internal disagreements and a desire for a platform better suited to serve his constituents.
  • Abubakar Zango and Abdullahi also defected from the APC, joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Zango stating his decision was guided by conscience and national interest.

Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has experienced further defections in the House of Representatives, with two lawmakers formally announcing their departure from the party. These departures underscore the intensifying political realignments occurring as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

The recent moves follow closely on the heels of the National Assembly's resumption after a break, during which numerous political figures have been engaged in consultations and strategic repositioning. On Wednesday, Rabilu Bala, representing Jamaโ€™are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, officially defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read Bala's letter, which cited persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need to pursue a political platform that would better serve his constituents' interests.

concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.

โ€” Rabilu BalaThe lawmaker cited internal party issues as a reason for his defection from the APC.

In a separate development, Abubakar Zango, who represents Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency in Adamawa State, announced his resignation from the APC and subsequent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Zango stated his decision was guided by his conscience and the broader national interest, assuring his constituents of his continued commitment to effective representation. Similarly, Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency in Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC.

These defections add to a growing trend of political movements as politicians across party lines position themselves for the upcoming elections. While the APC maintains a significant majority in the National Assembly, these recent events highlight underlying tensions within some state chapters of the party, particularly concerning internal democracy, leadership structures, and succession planning.

his decision was guided by his conscience and what he described as the broader national interest.

โ€” Abubakar ZangoThe lawmaker explained his motivation for leaving the APC and joining the ADC.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.