APC Gains Momentum as Akpanke, Nnamchi Join Surge of Defections in House of Representatives

The all Progressives Congress (APC), two more members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives — Peter Akpanke and Paul Nnamchi — have formally defected to the ruling party. Their announcement was made during Tuesday’s plenary session by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, continuing a trend of political realignments that has steadily reshaped the composition of the lower legislative chamber ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peter Akpanke, who represents the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara federal constituency in Cross River State, was originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his defection notice, Akpanke cited unresolved internal conflicts within the PDP as his reason for exiting the party. On the other hand, Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo federal constituency, defected from the Labour Party (LP), pointing to a leadership crisis that has crippled the party’s internal structure.

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Their defections are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of lawmakers switching affiliations, largely in favor of the APC. Analysts believe this wave of defections underscores the strategic positioning and political recalibration by lawmakers as they prepare for the next election cycle.

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The momentum toward the APC started gaining ground in the latter half of 2024. On October 2, Chris Nkwonta from Ukwa East/Ukwa West in Abia State left the PDP for the APC. This was followed by Sulaiman Abubakar of Zamfara’s Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency, who made a similar move on October 30.

By early December, the lower chamber had witnessed the defection of four Labour Party lawmakers and one PDP member to the APC, causing a noticeable shift in party dynamics. The political migration continued into February, with PDP members Amos Magaji (Kaduna) and Garba Koko (Kebbi) also joining the ruling party on the 11th and 12th, respectively.

In a notable event on March 18, two more PDP members — Jallo Mohammed of Kaduna’s Igabi constituency and Adamu Tanko from Niger’s Gurara/Suleja/Tafa constituency — switched to the APC, citing persistent internal party crises.

Shortly thereafter, on March 27, Clara Nnabuife, who represented Orumba North/South under the Young Progressives Party (YPP), defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), claiming marginalization within her former party.

May proved to be a turning point, with a substantial realignment of legislators. On May 6 alone, six PDP lawmakers joined the APC, while two LP members transitioned to the PDP. Notably, Obetta Chidi and Dennis Agbo, both from Enugu constituencies, abandoned the LP for the PDP.

In Delta State, PDP member Victor Nwokolo of Ika North East/Ika South and long-serving legislator Julius Pondi of Burutu also moved to the APC. They were joined by Thomas Ereyitomi of Warri federal constituency and Nicholas Mutu of Bomadi/Patani, who has held his seat since 1999. Ezechi Nnamdi, a first-term representative from Ndokwa/Ukwuani, followed suit.

On May 8, the APC welcomed three more PDP defectors from Katsina: Abdullahi Balarabe (Bakori/Danja), Abubakar Albaba Aliyu (Batasari/Safana/Dan-Musa), and Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi). Each cited prolonged internal disarray within the PDP as their rationale.

By May 15, the defection wave reached Kano, where Kabiru Usman and Abdullahi Sani, both formerly of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), also joined the APC.

To round out the month, Oluwole Oke from Osun and Sunday Umeha from Enugu added to the APC’s growing tally. The final days of May saw Okolie Lawrence and Akingbaso Olanrewaju depart from the LP and PDP, respectively, to side with the ruling party.

Implications for 2027 and Beyond

This sweeping shift underscores a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics, as lawmakers realign in response to internal party turbulence and perceived opportunities within the APC. As the 2027 general elections approach, the trend highlights both the vulnerability of opposition parties and the strategic allure of aligning with the dominant political force.

For now, the APC appears to be strengthening its grip on legislative power, with defections from rival parties enhancing its strategic advantage in the National Assembly. Whether these realignments will translate into sustained political gains remains to be seen, but the stage is already being set for a contentious and closely watched pre-election season.