El-Rufai’s Son, Four Others Dump APC, PDP for ADC, NDC in Reps

In a significant shake-up within the Nigerian House of Representatives, five lawmakers have switched party allegiances, signaling a period of intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defections saw members leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This wave of party-hopping underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics and the ongoing efforts to forge new alliances and strengthen opposition blocs.

Notably, Muhammed El-Rufai, son of the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has defected from the APC to the NDC. This move is particularly scrutinized, as it occurs against a backdrop of increasing criticism leveled against President Bola Tinubu's administration by his father, a former key ally of the president. The younger El-Rufai's departure is seen by political observers as a potential indicator of widening rifts within the ruling party and the former governor's camp.

Other defectors include Joshua Obika, who moved from the APC to the NDC, marking his third party switch since the current assembly began. Abdulhakeem Kamilu also switched from the ADC to the NDC, citing unresolved leadership issues. Additionally, Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo, both from Kaduna State, defected from the PDP to the ADC, attributing their decision to persistent crises within their former party.

These defections come shortly after reports of 17 lawmakers aligning with the NDC, suggesting a concerted effort by opposition parties to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging the ruling APC in the upcoming elections. The shifting political landscape in the House of Representatives not only alters its composition but also fuels speculation about further defections as political consultations intensify. This dynamic environment highlights the strategic calculations underway as parties position themselves for the next electoral cycle, with the potential for significant realignments before 2027.