Fresh political realignments hit the House of Representatives on Thursday as four members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), while an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The defections were formally communicated to the House during plenary through letters read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The lawmakers who left the PDP for the APM are Muhammad Shehu, representing Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State; Aliyu Garu, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency; Sani Tanko, representing Shira/Giade Federal Constituency; and Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
Also announcing a change of party was Jeremiah Umaru, who represents Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State. Umaru defected from the APC to the SDP.
In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decisions to lingering internal disputes within their former parties and the need to pursue what they described as more effective representation for their constituents.
The latest development adds to a growing list of defections that have unsettled the composition of the House in recent weeks, reflecting heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Particularly notable is the exit of the four Bauchi lawmakers from the PDP, a party that has long maintained a strong foothold in the state. Their departure is expected to fuel further discussions about the evolving political landscape in Bauchi and the wider northern region.
The House has witnessed a flurry of party switches in recent days. On Tuesday, eight lawmakers dumped the PDP for the APM, while three others crossed from the APC to the PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
On Wednesday, another three legislators left the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party and the African Democratic Congress, continuing a trend that has generated intense political speculation.
Observers say the defections are being driven by a combination of factors, including internal party crises, leadership disagreements, calculations ahead of future elections and efforts by smaller parties to increase their national relevance.
For the PDP, the loss of four lawmakers from the same state represents another challenge as it seeks to strengthen internal unity and regain momentum following disputes that emerged after the 2023 elections.
The APM, meanwhile, has recorded significant gains from the ongoing movement of lawmakers and is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for politicians seeking alternative platforms.
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