Five members of the House of Representatives have officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections during plenary on Thursday after reading the lawmakers’ letters on the floor of the chamber.
Among those who switched parties was Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency. He resigned from the APC and joined the ADC ahead of the next election cycle.
Also moving to the ADC were Ajilo Shehu, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Sulieman Richifa, representing Soba Federal Constituency. Both lawmakers left the PDP for the opposition party.
Meanwhile, Joshua Obika, who represents Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory, defected from the APC to the NDC.
Esosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency in Edo State, also dumped the APC for the NDC, blaming his decision on what he described as irreconcilable differences with Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking on his decision, Bello El-Rufai said he would contest for re-election under the ADC platform.
According to him, the decision followed careful consideration and was driven by his commitment to better representation for his constituents.
He added that his political values were shaped by courage, conviction, and the desire to deliver quality leadership to the people of Kaduna North.
The latest wave of defections comes only days after reports emerged that 17 lawmakers moved from the ADC to the NDC earlier this week, signaling fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
