A fresh round of defections has shaken the House of Representatives, as 12 lawmakers from different political parties announced their decision to switch allegiance during plenary on Thursday.
The development was disclosed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who formally informed the chamber that several members had submitted letters notifying the House of their decision to join new political parties.
According to Kalu, six lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while another six members left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Labour Party (LP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
While addressing the chamber, the Deputy Speaker said the wave of defections reflected the changing political landscape in the country and the growing support for some parties.
“Honourable members, we have received notices of political realignment from some of our colleagues,” Kalu said during the session.
One of the lawmakers acknowledged during the announcement was Honourable Bamisele Komolafe Beatrice Lowery, who moved from the PDP to the APC.
Kalu welcomed the lawmaker into the ruling party, saying: “Honourable Komolafe, you are welcome to the APC. Please take your seat, and later you will be invited to the presiding officer.”
Another member, Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, notified the House of his decision to leave the YPP and join the ADC.
“Mr Ifeanyi is defecting from YPP to ADC. The House is hereby notified,” Kalu announced.
The Deputy Speaker also revealed that some lawmakers who had submitted their resignation letters were not present in the chamber at the time of the announcement.
Among those whose letters were mentioned was Honourable Shuaib Abiola Sowunmi, who resigned from the Labour Party to join the ADC.
Kalu explained that their defections would be formally announced once they appear in the chamber.
Several other lawmakers were also listed as part of the political realignment. Those recognised during the session included Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Jafaru Yakubu, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Victor Afam Ogene, Kafilat Ogbara, Peter Udo Udofia, Professor Obi Lilian Orogbu, Barrister Mohammed Bello Shehu, Dankawu Idris, Hassan Shehu Hussaini, Muhammad Ghali Tijjani, and Jimbo Ibrahim.
The Deputy Speaker emphasised that while the House had received the resignation letters, the official ceremonial announcement would only take place when the affected lawmakers are physically present.
“It’s treated as received, but the ceremonial announcement will be made when they’re in the House. They have to be here so they don’t deny it tomorrow,” he said.
Kalu described the defections as part of a broader political realignment taking place across the country.
He noted that the movement of lawmakers between parties reflects shifting alliances within Nigeria’s political system.
The latest defections come at a time when political parties are dealing with internal disputes, growing competition for influence, and preparations for future elections, factors that analysts say are driving lawmakers to seek stronger political platforms.
