More PDP Reps defect to APM

The wave of defections in Nigeria's House of Representatives intensified as four lawmakers from Bauchi State announced their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). This development marks another significant shift in political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

The defections were formally announced during plenary sessions when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read letters from the affected lawmakers. The Bauchi representatives include Muhammad Shehu (Zaki Federal Constituency), Aliyu Garu (Bauchi Federal Constituency), Sani Tanko (Shira/Giade Federal Constituency), and Mansur Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency). Additionally, Jeremiah Umaru, representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In their letters of defection, the lawmakers cited "internal party squabbles" and the "need to provide effective representation" to their constituents as primary reasons for their decisions. These movements underscore the growing political realignments within the National Assembly as legislators reposition themselves for future electoral contests. The departure of four PDP lawmakers from Bauchi is particularly noteworthy given the party's historical influence in the state.

This surge in defections follows a series of similar movements in the preceding week, with several lawmakers switching parties. Political observers suggest that many legislators are reassessing their political futures amid internal party crises, leadership disputes, and the strategic efforts of emerging political platforms to expand their influence. For the PDP, the loss of federal lawmakers from the same state represents a setback as the party works to rebuild cohesion after the 2023 general election. The APM and the Nigeria Democratic Congress appear to be significant beneficiaries of these ongoing realignments.