Two members of the House of Representatives have left the All Progressives Congress, joining smaller parties as political positioning intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama'are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, formally defected to the Peoples Redemption Party during Wednesday's plenary session. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read Bala's letter, in which he cited internal disagreements within the APC and concerns about developments at both state and national levels. Bala stated his decision followed consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency.
In a separate move, Abubakar Zango, member for Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, resigned from the APC and joined the ADC. He said his decision was guided by conscience and the broader national interest. He pledged to continue fulfilling his legislative duties diligently and assured constituents his commitment to representation remains unchanged. Abdullahi, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC, though no statement from him was detailed in the source.
The PRP, rooted in the legacy of the late Mallam Aminu Kano, has been rebuilding its presence in northern Nigeria. The ADC has increasingly become a destination for politicians seeking alternatives to Nigeria's dominant parties amid ongoing opposition coalition talks. The defections come less than 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed plenary following the Salllah recess, a period marked by political consultations and repositioning. While the APC retains strong majorities in both legislative chambers, internal tensions have surfaced, particularly around leadership structures and succession planning. The party leadership has dismissed defection concerns, maintaining that the APC remains united. Opposition parties see the moves as signs of growing discontent within the ruling party.
Rabilu Bala claims his defection stems from internal APC disagreements, yet offers no specific instance of blocked legislation or denied constituency projects tied to party actions. Abubakar Zango cites conscience and national interest, but neither he nor Abdullahi explains how the ADC's platform differs from the APC in ways that directly benefit Yola or Dukku/Nafada. If internal democracy is the issue, constituents deserve to know which local party decisions were overturned or ignored. Without concrete examples, these moves look less like principle and more like pre-2027 positioning.
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