Four Bauchi PDP Lawmakers Defect to APM as Realignments Intensify Ahead of 2027
By Onochie James
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The wave of political defections in the House of Representatives gathered further momentum on Thursday as four lawmakers from Bauchi State formally resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), underscoring the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were officially communicated to the House during plenary, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas reading letters submitted by the affected lawmakers, notifying the legislature of their decision to leave the PDP and align with the APM.
The lawmakers involved are Hon. Muhammad Shehu, representing Zaki Federal Constituency; Hon. Aliyu Garu, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency; Hon. Sani Tanko, representing Shira/Giade Federal Constituency; and Hon. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
Also declaring a change in political affiliation was Hon. Jeremiah Umaru, the member representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, adding to the growing list of legislators reassessing their political platforms.
The defection of the four Bauchi lawmakers is considered significant, given the PDP's historical dominance in the state. Their departure comes amid heightened political activity and strategic consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Thursday's development follows a series of recent defections within the House of Representatives. Earlier in the week, eight lawmakers announced their exit from the PDP to join the APM, while three legislators switched from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The trend continued on Wednesday when three lawmakers left the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further highlighting the fluid nature of Nigeria's political landscape.
The increasing movement of lawmakers across party lines has fueled discussions among political stakeholders regarding the emergence of new alliances, coalition-building efforts, and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although defections are not uncommon in Nigeria's political system, analysts note that the current wave has attracted considerable attention due to its frequency, scale, and proximity to the next general election.
Political observers attribute the developments to a combination of factors, including internal party disagreements, leadership disputes, evolving political calculations, and efforts by emerging political parties to strengthen their national presence by attracting serving legislators.
The defections come at a challenging period for several opposition parties, many of which are navigating internal restructuring and leadership issues. At the same time, smaller political platforms are actively seeking to expand their influence and legislative representation.
For the PDP, the loss of four federal lawmakers from a single state represents another test of the party's internal cohesion as it continues efforts to consolidate its structures following post-2023 election disputes.
Conversely, the APM appears to be emerging as one of the major beneficiaries of the ongoing political realignments. The party has recorded a steady influx of lawmakers in recent days, strengthening its visibility and influence within the National Assembly.
Political developments surrounding the APM have also attracted attention following the association of prominent political figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, with ongoing coalition discussions aimed at reshaping Nigeria's opposition landscape.
With legislative activities expected to continue for several months before full-scale electioneering begins, political observers will be closely monitoring whether the current trend of defections persists and how it may affect the balance of power within the House of Representatives and the broader political environment ahead of 2027.
