Isaac Samuel
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a fresh setback in the House of Representatives as three of its members defected to opposition parties following the conclusion of primaries by political parties.
The defection was announced during plenary
presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The development came barely 24 hours after the National Assembly resumed sitting from the Sallah recess.
The defection saw the member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Rabilu Bala, move from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), while Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, and Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Abbas, who read Bala’s letter on the floor of the House, said the lawmaker attributed his decision to persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need to pursue a political platform he believes would better serve the interests of his constituents.
According to the letter, Bala said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders in his constituency and was informed by concerns over developments within the party at both the state and national levels.
Zango, in his letter, said his decision was guided by his conscience and what he described as the broader national interest.
He assured his constituents that his commitment to effective representation would remain unchanged despite his change of political platform.
The latest defections add to a growing list of political movements that have gained momentum in recent months as politicians across party lines position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
