Breaking: 12 Federal Lawmakers Defect to New Parties, Details Emerge
- Twelve House of Representatives members officially announced their defection from various political parties
- Six lawmakers moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a significant political shift
- Another six defected from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a recent plenary session
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues.
FCT, Abuja - No fewer than 12 members of the House of Representatives have announced their defections.
Six lawmakers officially announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Source: Twitter
While another six members also officially announced their defections from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, announced the wave of defections during plenary on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
According to TVC News, lawmakers from Adamawa State, James Barka, Laori Bitrus, Zakaria Nyampa, and Kobis Thimnu moved from the PDP to the APC.
Midala Balami from Borno state defected from the PDP to the APC, while Mohammed Bargaja from Sokoto State also moved from the PDP to the APC.
From Anambra State, Peter Uzokwe defected from the YPP to the ADC, while Afam Ogene, Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Obageli Orogbu moved from the Labour Party to the ADC.
Also, Jessey Onakalusi from Lagos State and Murphy Osaro from Edo State defected from the Labour Party to the ADC
Nigerians react to 12 lawmakers' mass defection
@CManuel_Obi
"Not too long ago, when politicians switched parties, their former party would rush to court claiming they had automatically lost their seat. Today, no one even bothers anymore. It has quietly become the new normal."
@DbPragmatic
"Everyone is abandoning PDP. Although the ADC is gaining a bit of momentum, it is still far too little compared to the gargantuan momentum of the ruling APC. Nigeria’s political momentum right now is clearly tilted in one direction."
@OfficialOzioma
"Everybody is strategically placing themself for the 2027 elections."
@idriisgarba
"This culture of jumping from one party to another is exactly why many citizens are losing trust in politics."
@EfeAjay
"PDP really messed up, honestly, but now this causes a serious problem for the APC as a result of these migrations. the. Those with ambitions already will definitely not want to be told to step down for these guys."
@CManuel_Obi
"Not too long ago, when politicians switched parties, their former party would rush to court claiming they had automatically lost their seat. Today, no one even bothers anymore. It has quietly become the new normal."
Source: Twitter
House of Reps member dumps LP for APC
Recall that Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika defected from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amid internal crises.
The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, read the defection letter during the House plenary on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nigerians reacted to Obika's move, highlighting concerns over voter trust and political dynamics.
Read more stories on PDP defections:
- PDP Chairman Dumps Party for APC 48 Hours After Zamfara Governor Joined Ruling Party
- Intrigue as 3 Northern PDP Senators Resign
- Another Influential Former Governor Dumps PDP
- 2027 Elections: “Why I Dumped PDP for APC”, Zamfara Governor Explains
- Tinubu's Minister Reacts as Another PDP Gov Defects to APC
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Senator Ipalibo Banigo defected from the PDP to the ruling APC. Banigo said her defection is in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision and Governor Sim Fubara's leadership.
The Rivers West senator said her defection followed internal PDP disputes and aims to ensure political cohesion.
Source: Legit.ng
