The political landscape in the House of Representatives witnessed a massive shakeup on Tuesday as thirteen lawmakers officially dumped their political platforms for new ones. The wave of defections was made official during the first plenary session since the Sallah holiday break, setting a new tone for legislative and political dynamics moving forward.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read the separate letters of defection submitted by the lawmakers on the floor of the House, signaling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The biggest blow of the day hit the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, where a coordinated exit saw six federal lawmakers move en masse to the Action Peoples Movement. The defecting legislators—Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle—pointed to unresolved internal friction and leadership battles within the Oyo State PDP chapter as their primary reason for leaving. This mass migration means Governor Seyi Makinde has effectively shifted his core legislative allies to the APM, pulling six of the state’s fourteen federal lawmakers along with him.
The APM further expanded its ranks beyond Oyo State, picking up Auwalu Gwalabe, a lawmaker from Bauchi State who also cut ties with the PDP.
Despite these heavy losses, the PDP managed to recoup some ground by welcoming new faces into its fold. Among the new entrants is Shehu Dalhatu, representing the Faskari, Kankara, and Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State. Dalhatu dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, explaining that his decision followed deep reflections on current developments within the APC and extensive consultations with the people of his constituency.
The PDP also picked up Delta State lawmaker Etanabene Benedict, who walked away from the Labour Party over lingering internal crises rocking the party’s South-South zone. Adding to the PDP’s gains, Alex Egbona also crossed over from the APC, promising his constituents that his change of party would only re-energize his commitment to his legislative responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Edo State legislator Esosa Iyawe made headlines by switching parties for the third time in just three years. Iyawe abandoned the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing irreconcilable differences with the leadership of the Edo State APC chapter.
Rounding off the day’s dramatic shifts, Nasarawa State lawmaker Gbefwi Gaza announced his exit from the Social Democratic Party, choosing to pitch his tent with the Labour Party instead.
Political analysts tracking developments to note that this wave of cross-carpeting highlights the shifting loyalties and early chess moves by politicians looking to secure their futures well ahead of the next election cycle.
