Gale of defections weakens opposition in House of Representatives

A wave of defections is weakening opposition parties in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, as numerous lawmakers switch allegiances, often to the ruling party.

This trend diminishes the strength and influence of opposition groups, potentially altering political dynamics ahead of future elections.

These days, it has become almost customary for Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to read out defection letters from opposition lawmakers before the House delves into debating bills and motions.

The political landscape is witnessing a gradual shake-up; the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) base is shrinking notably in the Lower chamber, and the APC lawmakers are simply amused by it.

In the past week Salisu Koko, representing Koko Besse/Maiyama constituency in Kebbi State, announced his defection from the PDP to the APC, citing “protracted crises” within his former party as his primary reason.

Koko’s letter of defection was read on the floor by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who didn’t hide his amusement, even going as far as encouraging more defections. The laughter in the chambers seemed to underscore the shrinking influence of the opposition.

Adding to the PDP’s woes, Amos Magaji of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in Kaduna State also left the party, raising similar concerns about unresolved crises. These defections come on the heels of a larger exodus in December 2024, which saw five lawmakers – four from the LP and one from the PDP – joining the APC. Erhitake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, from PDP is among those who made the switch.

The lawmakers from the LP are Chinedu Okere (Owerri municipal/Owerri north/Owerri west constituency), Matthew Donatus (Kaura federal constituency of Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Calabar municipal/Odukpani constituency), and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo federal constituency of Edo).

In October Chris Nkwonta, who represents Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency of Abia State, left the PDP for APC. Also, Sulaiman Abubakar, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara, ditched the PDP for the APC.

Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, had attempted to downplay the defections, arguing that intra-party disagreements are natural and not unique to the PDP or LP. Yet, this explanation appears to ring hollow as more lawmakers abandon ship.

As the nation inches closer to the 2027 general elections, one question that could easily pop in the mind of the average Nigerian is: can the opposition mount a credible challenge, or will the APC’s growing dominance all but guarantee its grip on power?

With a growing number of defections, the APC is consolidating power and further weakening the opposition’s ability to present a challenging front. The inability of parties like the PDP and LP to resolve internal conflicts also sends the wrong signals.

The PDP is currently grappling with significant internal crises that threaten its unity and effectiveness. A major factor contributing to the PDP’s troubles is the persistent leadership crisis. The contentious presidential primaries of 2022, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike clashed, set the stage for prolonged discord.

This tension erupted into open divisions, with the infamous G5 governors, led by Wike, breaking ranks and supporting opposition candidates during the 2023 elections.

Although real politicking ahead of 2027 general elections is yet to take off, the clock is ticking for the opposition parties.

Political analysts believe that to maintain relevance, opposition parties must urgently address the underlying reasons for these defections. This could involve strengthening internal structures, developing a compelling policy agenda, or fielding an inspiring candidate for 2027.

“Swift action is needed to halt the exodus of lawmakers and reestablish their influence in Nigeria’s political landscape,” John Uko, a political analysts, told BusinessDay.

“If not, the 2027 elections may already be shaping up to be another victory for the APC, leaving the opposition in the political wilderness for years to come.”