PDP loses more seats as four Reps dump party for APC, Accord

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost more seats in the House of Representatives after four lawmakers defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party, dealing a fresh blow to the opposition as political realignments continue in the lower chamber.

The lawmakers announced their defections in separate letters read by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the Hosue of Representatives during plenary on Wednesday.

Among those who defected is Garba Inuwa, who represents Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State. He  left the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Similarly, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dakku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also defected from the PDP to the APC;  Mohammed Audu, the lawmaker representing Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency, equally dumped the PDP for the APC.

Adewale Adebayo, another PDP member who represents Irepodun/Olorunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State defected to the Accord Party.

Read also: Michael Okpara University of Agriculture distributes 350 bags of fertilizer, other inputs to farmers for 2026 farming season

The lawmakers cited prolonged leadership crisis and unresolved internal divisions within the PDP, making it increasingly difficult for them to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities to their constituents.

They argued that the internal disputes within the party had weakened its cohesion and undermined its ability to provide a stable political platform.

In a related development, Joshua Obika, a member of the House representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, also announced his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.

Obika attributed his decision to the emergence of multiple factions within the Labour Party, saying the internal disputes had created uncertainty within the party structure.

The latest defections add to a growing list of lawmakers who have switched political allegiances since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, a development that has steadily strengthened the numerical advantage of the ruling APC in the House of Representatives.