Fresh Wave of Defections Hits National Assembly as Lawmakers Realign Ahead of 2027 Polls

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced a new wave of political defections across both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly, reflecting increasing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among the latest movements, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South has returned to the Labour Party after a brief stay with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In another development, Senator Victor Umeh officially notified the Senate of his exit from the ADC to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Similarly, Deputy Minority Whip Rufai Hanga also announced his departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the NDC.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also confirmed multiple defections involving lawmakers who moved from the ADC to the NDC.

Those affected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike. Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.

In addition, Hon. Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The growing number of defections highlights intensified political maneuvering as parties reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.