Six House of Representatives Members Dump NNPP and PDP for ADC and APC Amid Internal Party Crises

Six lawmakers dump NNPP and PDP for ADC and APC, citing internal party crises. NNPP left with only one seat as ADC grows to 24 members.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 8:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

Mass Exit from NNPP and PDP

The House of Representatives witnessed a significant shift in its political composition on Wednesday as six members formally defected from their respective parties. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read the letters of resignation during the plenary session, which saw four members from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and two from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) move to new political platforms. The defectors cited persistent internal crises and a lack of clear leadership within their former parties as the primary reasons for their departure. This movement marks a continued trend of realignment as the legislative body prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.

Strengthening the ADC and APC Blocks

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as a major beneficiary of the day's events, welcoming four new members from Kano State. The defecting lawmakers include Sani Adamu Wakil (Minjibir/Ungogo), Umar Mukthar Zakari (Tarauni), Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), and Abdulhakeem Kamilo Ado (Wudil/Garko). This influx has officially increased the ADC's strength in the House to approximately 24 members. Simultaneously, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) bolstered its dominant position by welcoming Emeka Chinedu Martin (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise) and Kabiru Ahmadu Maipalace (Gusau/Tsafe), bringing the APC’s total membership to roughly 282.

The Shrinking Opposition Presence

The latest round of defections has left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in a precarious position. With the departure of the four Kano lawmakers and the recent vacancy created by the death of Mohammed Danjuma Hassan, the NNPP now has only one active member remaining in the House. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also continues to see its influence wane, with its membership now sitting at approximately 30 seats. Other minority parties currently holding seats include the Labour Party with 10, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with five, and the Accord Party with four.