APC suffered a fresh setback in the House of Representatives as three MPs defected to PRP and ADC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded another round of defections in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with three federal lawmakers leaving the ruling party in favor of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid increased political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.

This latest resignation comes just a day after the National Assembly resumed plenary sessions following the Sallah split, at a time when political consultations, alliance building and party realignment are gathering momentum across the country.

One of the defectors, Hon. Rabilu Bala, who represents Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, has officially announced his resignation from the APC for the PRP.

His resignation letter, which was read to the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, stated that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders in his constituency and was driven by concerns over developments within the ruling party.

According to the letter, the move was influenced by “concerns about the party’s development at both the state and national levels.”

Bala also mentioned the ongoing disagreements within the APC and said he believed the PRP would offer a more suitable platform to advance the interests of his constituents.

In a separate development, Hon. Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, also officially broke with the APC and joined the ADC.

Explaining his decision in a letter to Parliament, Zango said the move was motivated by his personal beliefs and desire to act in what he described as the national interest.

Despite changing parties, he assured his constituents that his legislative duties would not be affected, and pledged continued dedication to effective representation and democratic values.

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The ADC also gained another member when Hon. Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, announced his resignation from the APC and subsequently defected to the opposition party.

The latest resignation adds to a wave of political movement taking place across party lines as politicians prepare for the next election cycle.

Although the APC still has a dominant position in the National Assembly, repeated defections have drawn attention to internal challenges in some state branches, particularly regarding leadership disputes, succession struggles, and questions surrounding internal democracy.

For the PRP, the addition of Bala is seen as part of the party’s ongoing efforts to regain relevance in northern Nigeria. The party has its roots in the political movement founded by the late Mallam Aminu Kano and has recently intensified efforts to rebuild its grassroots structure.

Meanwhile, the ADC continues to attract politicians looking for alternatives to the country’s dominant parties as coalition talks among opposition figures intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts say the recent defections could be the start of broader changes across the political landscape as parties refine strategies, forge alliances and strengthen structures in preparation for the next general election.

Although some lawmakers have publicly attributed their resignations to internal strife, observers believe many are positioning themselves within emerging political groups expected to play a key role in the power struggle.

The APC leadership has consistently dismissed concerns over recent defections, and maintained that the party remains cohesive and in control despite the exits.

However, opposition parties argue that the increasing movement of politicians from the ruling party reflects growing dissatisfaction among the ruling party and provides an opportunity to expand their influence nationally.

With the countdown to the 2027 elections already starting to determine political calculations, attention is expected to remain focused on the National Assembly and other centers of power as parties seek to consolidate support and redefine alliances.