2027 Realignments: Kano Reps, others defect to ADC amid rising political shifts

No fewer than six members of the House of Representatives have defected from their respective parties to new political platforms, in what appears to be an early wave of realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Four lawmakers from Kano State dumped the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They include Sani Wakili, representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency; Muktar Zakari (Tarauni); Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam); and Abdulhakeem Ado (Wudil/Garko).

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, formally read their defection letters during plenary on Wednesday.

In a related development, Kabiru Amadu, popularly known as Maipalace, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, and Emeka Chinedu (Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte, Imo), also switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers attributed their decisions to persistent internal crises within their former parties, a justification commonly cited in Nigeria’s legislative defections.

The latest moves come amid a broader trend of political repositioning, particularly within the ADC, which has recorded a surge in new entrants in recent weeks. On Tuesday, three other federal lawmakers—Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi)—also defected from the Labour Party (LP) and APC to the ADC.

Political observers say the growing influx into the ADC signals its emergence as a potential third-force platform, as politicians across party lines jostle for strategic advantage ahead of the next electoral cycle.

With internal disputes rocking several major parties, the spate of defections underscores deepening cracks within Nigeria’s political landscape and sets the stage for intensified competition in the lead-up to 2027.

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